With the creation of Grit N’ Grind, Tony Allen birthed an identity that transcended basketball, breathing oxygen into a city searching for air.

Tony Allen, whose defensive prowess and unique verbiage created the Memphis Grizzlies’ Grit ’n Grind era, was honored with the retirement of his No. 9 jersey.

Tony Allen’s name has become synonymous with the Memphis spirit—the grit n’grind that makes this city so special. Allen had the opportunity to sit with Action News 5’s own Doc Holliday to reflect on his storied career,