Jeff Grosso : Who The F**k is He?

Jeff Grosso, also known as Jeff Blaine Grosso, was an iconic American professional skateboarder in the 1980s. He had a deep passion for the sport. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2020 at the age of 51 due to substance abuse.

What is Jeff Grosso Known for

Jeff Grosso was a prominent skateboarder in the United States during the 1980s, known for his impressive vert skating skills. He was also recognized as a skateboard historian and was highly influential in the skateboarding community. Jeff gained further popularity through his well-received YouTube series called “Love Letters To Skateboarding,” where he shared his knowledge and passion for the sport. Additionally, he was known for his support and mentorship of younger skateboarders, showing care and dedication to the next generation of skaters.

The Beginning of Everything

At the age of 8, Jeff Grosso received his first skateboard as a gift from his mom’s boss. Although it was an old board with worn-out parts, Grosso immediately felt a strong connection to it. He dedicated countless hours to practicing and honing his skills. By the time he was 12, he entered his first skateboarding contest. Growing up, Grosso had the opportunity to skate with renowned figures like Neil Blender and Lance Mountain. Jeff also skated with his friend Steve Caballero on a backyard ramp. In an impressive achievement, he turned professional at the young age of 12 in 1982.

Jeff Grosso First Sponsor

At the age of 14, Jeff Grosso gained sponsorship from Vans, a renowned shoe and apparel company. This sponsorship marked the beginning of a long-lasting personal and professional relationship between Grosso and Vans. This collaboration extended until 2020, with Vans sponsoring Grosso’s widely acclaimed YouTube series, “Love Letters to Skateboarding.”

Recognition

Jeff Grosso was indeed one of the most recognizable skateboarders in the United States during the 1980s. His expertise in vert skating set him apart and earned him widespread recognition. He made notable appearances in influential skate videos such as Powell Peralta’s “Future Primitive” and Santa Cruz Skateboards’ “Streets on Fire.” Furthermore, Grosso achieved another milestone in his career when he graced the cover of the October 1994 issue of Transworld Skateboarding magazine.

Overcoming Substance Abuse

Unfortunately, Jeff Grosso’s career was affected by substance abuse, which led to a decline in the early-mid 1990s. However, he was able to overcome these challenges and achieved sobriety in 2005. Following his recovery, Grosso made a comeback to professional skateboarding and resumed his career in the sport.

The End of Everything

Jeff Grosso sadly passed away at the age of 51 on March 31, 2020, at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, California. The autopsy report, released in December 2020, revealed that the cause of his death was “severe cardiomegaly with dilatation.” The toxicology data also indicated the presence of fentanyl in Grosso’s system at the time of his death.

Let’s talk sponsors

Jeff Grosso had various sponsors throughout his skateboarding career. Some of the notable sponsors he was associated with include:

1. Vans: Grosso had a long-standing relationship with Vans, which sponsored him and supported his skateboarding endeavors. They also sponsored his popular YouTube series, “Love Letters to Skateboarding.”
2. Independent Trucks: Grosso was sponsored by Independent Trucks, a well-known skateboard truck brand.
3. Santa Cruz Skateboards: Grosso rode for Santa Cruz Skateboards, a prominent skateboard company, and appeared in their influential video, “Streets on Fire.”
4. Powell Peralta: Grosso was also affiliated with Powell Peralta, a renowned skateboard brand, and appeared in their classic video, “Future Primitive.”

These are some of the notable sponsors associated with Jeff Grosso during his skateboarding career, although the list may not be exhaustive.