Paul Grasmanis was a standout at Jenison High School, went on to start at defensive end for three years and serve as a team captain at the University of Notre Dame, and then played in the NFL for 10 years on the defensive line.
After helping to lead the Notre Dame defense as a four-year letter winner and honorable mention for All-American teams, he was drafted in the fourth round of the 1996 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.
The 6-foot-3, 298-pound Grasmanis played with the Bears for two seasons, then played one season with the Denver Broncos before his final six primarily at nose tackle with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played on the 2005-2006 Super Bowl runner-up Philadelphia team against New England.
Achilles injuries forced his retirement in 2006 and then coach Andy Reid called him one of my favorite guys. He had 197 career tackles and 12 sacks.
Following football, he started a business career. He has also been named to the Jenison High Hall of Fame.