Cyril Grayson: From LSU Track Sprinter to NFL Wide Receiver

14 minutes ago

3 min read

The Athletes Podcast — Episode 33. Listen on Apple · Spotify · or play it on Buzzsprout.

Most NFL wide receivers arrive through college football. Cyril Grayson arrived through the track. He ran sprints as an NCAA track athlete at LSU, then signed with the Seattle Seahawks and went on to spend time with the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In Episode 33, released in May 2020, he sat down with host David Stark and producer Jordan Maslen to talk about how a sprinter learns to play receiver at the highest level.

This is a listening guide built from the episode's show notes, so you can jump straight to the parts you want. The full 34-minute conversation is on Buzzsprout and every podcast app.

Quarantine, the off-season and Tom Brady (3:50 to 6:20)

The episode was recorded in the spring of 2020, so it opens with Cyril on life in quarantine (3:50) and how he kept his off-season training going (4:55). At 6:20 he talks about playing with Tom Brady, a topic that was on every football fan's mind that spring.

From LSU track to the NFL (8:45 and 19:10)

The heart of the episode is the path itself. From 8:45, Cyril explains how he got from the track to the NFL, and at 19:10 he looks back on his time at LSU. If you're a sprinter wondering whether your speed could carry you into another sport, this is the section to hear.

Learning the game as a former sprinter (13:45 to 17:45)

Speed gets you noticed, but skill keeps you on a roster. At 13:45 Cyril talks about how he worked at getting better as a football player. At 16:55 he names the mentors who shaped him, and at 17:45 he explains how he applies his kinesiology degree to his own training: a useful reminder that what you study can feed straight back into how you prepare.

Inside different NFL organizations (22:30 and 25:10)

Having been part of several teams, Cyril has a rare view of how NFL organizations differ from one another, and he gets into it at 22:30. At 25:10 he talks about his time with the Seattle Seahawks and working with quarterback Russell Wilson.

Giving back and advice for young athletes (27:00 and 30:00)

The episode closes off the field. At 27:00 Cyril talks about the charities he supports, and at 30:00 he shares his advice for young athletes chasing the same dream.

Key takeaways

Speed can open a door in another sport. Cyril went from LSU track to the NFL; hear how from 8:45.
Skill has to be built. His work on becoming a better football player starts at 13:45.
Use what you study. He applies his kinesiology degree to his training (17:45).
Every organization is different. His view of how NFL teams compare is at 22:30.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Cyril Grayson?

Cyril Grayson is an NFL wide receiver who ran sprints as an NCAA track athlete at LSU before signing with the Seattle Seahawks. He joined The Athletes Podcast for Episode 33 in May 2020.

Did Cyril Grayson run track at LSU?

Yes. He was a sprinter on the LSU track team before moving to football. He talks about his LSU years at 19:10 of Episode 33.

What NFL teams has Cyril Grayson played for?

According to the episode's show notes, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks and has also been part of the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.