“Growing Up Grovey” is more than just a football story.
It’s a story about life, perseverance and a former Razorback’s unconditional love for his mom.
The three-part documentary, produced in 2021, made its debut on the university’s HogsPlus.com website last week, allowing fans a glimpse of Quinn Grovey’s courageous journey, from high school and college football legend, to that of a humble son, dedicating his life to comforting his ailing mom, Bobbye Jean, in her final years.
The first two parts will be nostalgic for fans of Duncan High School in Oklahoma and the University of Arkansas, at least for those over 50 years old. The younger generations can enjoy a lesson about one of the most successful quarterbacks in program history.
I was fortunately enough to be a part of this production, writing the script and inputting some of the historical tidbits to the story. I became friends with Quinn early in our college days before he ever took an official snap for the Hogs. We sat in the back row of a freshman English Comp class, jawing about each other’s prowess on video games. From that point, I got a first-hand look at one of the best athletes and genuine human beings that I have ever been lucky enough to know.
Quinn has always been one of the most prepared and motivated people walking the planet, so when he asked me to be a part of this project, I was truly honored and jumped at the opportunity. We completed the documentary with a crew of four primary contributors – Quinn and myself, along with producers and film gurus, Tracy Anderson and Russell Schaap. We were proudly named a Silver Award winner at the 42nd Annual Telly Awards last year, in the category of Television Documentaries.
Quinn’s early football heroics led Duncan to an Oklahoma state championship in 1984, before he went on to orchestrate one of the most successful tenures in Razorback history. He ranks second on the all-time wins list, behind only Bill Montgomery, and is still the only Arkansas quarterback to ever lead the program to back-to-back outright conference championships, and consecutive Cotton Bowl appearances.
The film is narrated by Arkansas golf great John Daly and state-native radio personality Bobby Bones. It reflects on Quinn’s relationships with his mentor, Frank Broyles, as well as that of his coach and pseudo father-figure, Ken Hatfield, along with a host of former high school and college teammates. It also takes a long look back at a pair of classic battles with Texas in 1988 and 1989, two title bouts with Texas A&M, and relives Quinn’s epic showdown with Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware on Oct. 28, 1989, as he led Arkansas to a 45-39 victory over Houston in what is still regarded as one of the greatest games in Razorback history.
After transitioning into the corporate world following his playing days, Quinn served as an executive at Walmart and Home Depot. But he never forgot his deep roots in Duncan and the parents who raised four outstanding young men – Quinn was the youngest of the brothers. So, when his mom was diagnosed with the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease in 2006, he did only what his heart led him to do.
Quinn and his wife, Stacy, eventually moved Bobbye Jean from Duncan to Fayetteville, to live under their roof and care. And for nearly a decade, Quinn devoted his life to assuring that his mom lived her final days safely and in comfort. Up until October, 17, 2015, the day Bobbye Jean passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her youngest son.
Quinn has since become a strong advocate for Alzheimer’s support and research, speaking to many groups about his struggles and triumphs in the fight. His primary focus for wanting to share his story is with the hope that his journey may help others who are facing a similar fate.
He now balances those efforts with his current duties as the Senior Director of Development for the Razorback Foundation, as well as being the radio color analyst for Arkansas football. His plate is always full, but so is his heart and desire to help others.
I hope you tune in to “Growing Up Grovey”, either on HogsPlus.com or Yurview.com. It will bring joy to many and tears to some. But, either way, this journey is sure to touch the heart. Enjoy.
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