The Memphis Grizzlies honored one of their most iconic players, Tony Allen, by retiring his No. 9 jersey in an emotional ceremony at FedExForum last night. Known as the “Grindfather,” Allen’s contributions to the Grizzlies’ Grit ‘n Grind era were celebrated in front of a packed arena filled with fans, former teammates, and family.
A six-minute video montage highlighted his career, showcasing his defensive brilliance, hustle plays, and the passion that endeared him to Memphis fans. As the video concluded, the crowd erupted into a standing ovation, chanting “All heart, grit, grind!”—a phrase Allen famously coined during his time with the team.
The Grizzlies retire Tony Allen’s No. 9 🙌🔥
The Grindfather lives forever in Memphis 👏 pic.twitter.com/UZxPiove0t
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 16, 2025
Allen, visibly emotional, took the stage at half-court alongside his family and former teammates, including Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, and Vince Carter.
In a speech, Allen expressed his gratitude to the organization, his coaches, and the city of Memphis.
“I’m very thankful for this moment,” Allen said. “I’m going in the rafters. A lot of people don’t get this moment.”
“One thing for sure, two for certain, I’ll always be a Memphian.”
– Tony Allen
4L.🤞Ⓜ️
pic.twitter.com/1ZSUYYJhpl— Grizz Lead (@Grizz_Lead) March 16, 2025
The night was a star-studded affair, with appearances from NBA legends like Paul Pierce and Joakim Noah, as well as video tributes from players who couldn’t attend, including Mike Conley. Conley, a fellow member of the Grizzlies’ “Core Four,” ended his message with “G-N-G forever,” a nod to the team’s defining era.
Allen’s defensive prowess was the cornerstone of his career. A six-time All-Defensive Team selection, he earned the respect of players across the league, including the late Kobe Bryant, who once called Allen the toughest defender he ever faced. Allen’s impact extended beyond the court, as his grit and selflessness became a symbol of Memphis’ blue-collar identity.
Grizzlies owner Robert Pera summed up Allen’s legacy, saying,
“Tony Allen’s toughness, competitive spirit, and defensive intensity energized his teammates and our fans and helped set a standard of defensive excellence that defined an era of Grizzlies basketball.”
As Allen’s jersey was raised to the rafters, the crowd roared in appreciation, celebrating not just a player, but a man who embodied the heart and soul of Memphis basketball.
