John Grant Jr. is a local legend. The veteran lacrosse star has played for the Colorado Mammoth in the NLL as well as the Denver Outlaws in the MLL – and most recently served as the Outlaws’ offensive coordinator for the past two seasons.
Over the weekend, Grant Jr., 44, announced he would return to the playing field and join the Outlaws’ roster for the 2019 season. The 13-year Major League Lacrosse veteran will continue to coordinate the offense, but will now be a Player-Coach.
Grant Jr. last played for the Ohio Machine in 2016. As it currently stands, Grant Jr. is second all-time in the MLL in total points (592). With five points, though, Grant Jr. can surpass Paul Rabil (596) and become the league’s all-time leading scorer.
In his first stint with the Outlaws from 2014-16, Grant Jr. totaled 112 points (59 goals, 53 assists). His other stops in the MLL include the Rattlers (2001, ’05-08), Nationals (2009-11), Lizards (2011), Bayhawks (2012-13) and Machine (2016). Over his career, Grant Jr. has won five MLL Championships with four different teams, including three consecutive from 2012-14.
Grant Jr. also was incredibly successful in the National Lacrosse League, where he played 17 seasons and was a two-time league MVP. From 2010-16, Grant Jr. played with the Mammoth – he is still the team’s all-time leader in goals with 235.
In 2018, the Outlaws won a MLL-leading third championship with a 16-12 victory over the Dallas Raptors. In 13 total seasons, the Outlaws have qualified for the postseason 12 times. Denver will open the 2019 season at New York on May 31.