Hroniss Grasu


Hroniss Grasu is an American football center who is currently a free agent. He played college football for the University of Oregon, and was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Early years

A native of Los Angeles, California, Grasu attended Crespi Carmelite High School, where he was an All-State offensive lineman. Regarded as a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, Grasu was ranked as the No. 12 center prospect in his class.

College career

As a freshman, Grasu took over as the starting center for the Oregon Ducks and remained the starter through his senior season. He earned All-Freshman Second Team in 2011, as well as All-Pac-12 First Team in 2012, 2013 and 2014. He was named an All-American in 2013 and 2014. He was also a finalist for the Rimington Trophy in 2013 and 2014.

Professional career

Chicago Bears

Grasu was drafted in the third round by the Chicago Bears with the 71st overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft. The move reunited him with college teammate Kyle Long.
On August 30, 2016, Grasu was placed on injured reserve.
On September 2, 2018, Grasu was released by the Bears.

Baltimore Ravens

On September 24, 2018, Grasu was signed by the Baltimore Ravens. He played in three games before being released on November 24, 2018.

Miami Dolphins

On December 12, 2018, Grasu was signed by the Miami Dolphins, but was released nine days later.

Tennessee Titans

On February 7, 2019, Grasu was signed by the Tennessee Titans, reuniting with college teammate Marcus Mariota. He was released on August 31, 2019. He was re-signed on September 10, 2019. He was released again on October 8, 2019. He was signed once again on October 31, 2019. He was released on December 3, 2019.

Baltimore Ravens (second stint)

On December 4, 2019, Grasu was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Ravens.

Personal life

Grasu is of Romanian descent. His parents, Stefan and Mariana Grasu, emigrated from Romania to Los Angeles in 1982, opening "Greco's New York Pizza" on Hollywood Boulevard. Grasu's older brother, Nico, was a placekicker for Washington State.
Grasu was roommates with Bryan Bennett, Oregon's former backup quarterback and a former teammate of Grasu at Crespi.
His selection with the 71st overall pick in the draft by the Bears was portrayed in the season 7 premiere of The League on FX.