2008 NBA Champion and former OSU Cowboy Tony Allen penned a heartfelt thank you letter to the city of Memphis on Wednesday afternoon via The Players Tribune.
Allen thanked the city for embracing him. His blue collar style of play matched the personality of the city and he created the “grit and grind” motto that has stuck with the team through the past several seasons. Allen helped start a movement within the Grizzlies that emphasized an aggressive style of play hallmarked by elite defense and a slow-it-down style of offense. Memphis brought in other players like Allen who have made a living for themselves on the defensive end, guys like Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph.