Playing in Annapolis, the town where his beloved late grandfather played in the 1950s, Shirreffs almost led the visiting UConn Huskies to an improbable comeback victory over Navy on Saturday. Instead, the clock ran out on the Huskies and Shirreffs' perfect scenario as Navy held on for a 28-24 victory.
Jack Shirreffs, Bryant's grandfather, was a member of the 1958 Navy team that defeated Rice in the Cotton Bowl, 20-7. Shirreffs died in February at his home in West Palm Beach, Fla. He was 79.
Jack Shirreffs loved football and he loved that his two grandsons also excelled on the gridiron.