LINCOLN, Neb. – Former Hokie center Jake Grove has been tabbed as the Gerald R. Ford Legends Award winner by the Rimington Trophy committee.
The Forest, Virginia product won the Rimington Trophy, which goes to the nation's best center, following the 2003 season, starting every game and serving as a team captain. Grove was named team MVP and became Virginia Tech's fourth unanimous All-American. His jersey was retired by Virginia Tech on Sept. 23, 2006.
Following his senior year, he was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. Grove started all five years in Oakland, and in his final year after rehabbing from reconstructive knee surgery, he was awarded the Ed Block Courage Award given to the player that overcomes the most to get back on the field.
After finishing his five-year contract with the Raiders, he signed a free-agent contract with the Miami Dolphins, helping pave the way for running backs Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown, as both backs topped the 1,000-yard mark.
Grove retired from the NFL following the 2009 season. Jake, his wife Katie, and daughters Emma and Caroline split their time between Forest, Virginia and Atlantic Beach, North Carolina.
The Gerald R. Ford Award is presented to former collegiate or professional centers who, in addition to standout football careers, have also made significant contributions to the football and/or business communities, or through philanthropic endeavors.