Grandy was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Illinois State University where he was an All-American after transferring from Division II Missouri Western. After training camp, he was released and signed to the Bengals’ practice squad.

Grandy, who was the 2017 NewsTribune Football Offensive Player of the Year as a quarterback for the Knights, was elevated to Cincinnati’s active roster Nov. 7 and made his NFL debut in the team’s Week 10 game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Grandy played in eight games, finishing with five receptions for 28 yards. The Bengals signed Grandy to to a one-year contract extension Jan. 21.

Grandy spoke with NewsTribune sports editor Kevin Chlum about his rookie season, getting a contract extension, playing with Joe Burrow and more.

What was training camp like?

Grandy: As an undrafted guy, it’s tough. As soon as you get there, they just give you the whole playbook, and you have to learn it. I feel like that was the biggest adjustment for me was learning an NFL playbook and how much goes into it compared to college. But I did really well with it. Reps are a big difference too. You go from being one of the best players on your college team to the NFL where everyone was the best player on their college team. So it’s limited reps. Whatever reps you get, you have to make the most of it.

After training camp when you went to the practice squad, what were your feelings?

Grandy: I was a little upset. I feel like I competed very well during training camp and OTAs and showed I could play. But situations were different. I was grateful to be thought of and kept on the practice squad and to be able to stay with the organization.

What is it like being on the practice squad?

Grandy: We do everything that people on the 53-man [roster] do. We practice every day. We work out, we’re with the guys in all the meetings. We give scout team looks for whatever team they were playing that week. We don’t travel with the team, but during home games we get to be on the sideline with the guys rooting them on. But I’m a competitor, and I want to be out there playing, so it was tough at the same time.

How did you find out you were called up to the active roster?

Grandy: We had some injuries in the tight end group, which is always tough. But it was just next man up. I knew I was ready to play. The week after one of our guys got hurt, my name got called up to play Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens. I played really well in that game, and after that they signed me to the 53-man roster for the rest of the year.

What was it like the first time you got on the field in a regular-season NFL game?

Grandy: It was crazy. Running out in Baltimore on a Thursday night, division rivals, the roar of the crowd and actually suiting up with the team, it was something I’ve always dreamed of doing. Compared to preseason, it was just different.

How do you think you played once you got onto the active roster?

Grandy: I feel like I competed really well. I had the offense down. I was making plays when my number was called in the pass game and in the run game as well. They believed in me to be part of the run scheme and right at the point of attack. I took that and ran with it and feel like I did really well. I had good feedback from the coaches after the season. They thought highly enough of me that they chose to bring me back next year.

What does it mean to you to get that contract extension?

Grandy: I’m fired up. I’m looking forward to having a bigger role and having a good year next year. The sights are high for us. This year didn’t go the way we expected, but we’re going to come in next year ready to roll. I’m truly grateful to be part of this organization.

What is it like playing with Joe Burrow as your quarterback?

Grandy: It’s awesome to be able to play with, in my opinion and probably a lot of other people’s opinions, the best quarterback in the NFL. With his knowledge of the game, I feel he just makes people around him smarter. He pushes us to be perfect, and that makes everybody better.

What plans do you have for the offseason?

Grandy: Right now, I’m in Cincinnati working out at a place called Black Sheep (Performance) with a couple guys. I’m going to stay here to focus on my diet and training until probably March, and then I plan on going down to Florida somewhere and training there for a month before phase one of OTAs start.

Is there anything in particular about your game that you’re trying to improve?

Grandy: Just my overall speed and my overall receiving. I feel like that’s where my biggest improvement is needed. But obviously, I need improvement everywhere just to become more of a complete tight end and do whatever the team asks of me.

Throughout the season what was the support like from back home?

Grandy: I wouldn’t be where I am now without Benson, Illinois, and Minonk, Illinois, and all those people there supporting me. Every week I got text messages from old coaches, family and friends just supporting me. That means a lot to me. To be from a small town and be able to represent them the way I am, I’m truly grateful.

Did any friends or family have the opportunity to come see you play?

Grandy: I had a bunch of family coming to multiple games. I’m grateful to have them and their support. I feel like it makes me play better. I wouldn’t be where I am now without their support.

A couple years back when you were at Missouri Western, did you envision you’d be where you are now?

Grandy: It was always in the back of my head. I never truly had a Plan B. I’ve always envisioned myself being a National Football League player, and I took every day like that. I’ve always just pushed myself, and my friends, family and coaches were always pushing me to get to where I am now.