Julius Curry

Julius Justin Curry (born May 17, 1979 in Detroit, Michigan) is a former American football player. He played college football as a strong safety and punt returner for the University of Michigan from 1999 to 2002. He also played professional football for the Detroit Lions during the 2003 NFL season. In 2006, he formed Curry Racing, the first NASCAR racing team with sole minority ownership.

University of Michigan
Curry played college football at the University of Michigan from 1999 to 2002. He was a strong safety and punt returner for the Wolverines. In his college football career, he gained 522 yards on 48 punt returns for an average of 10.9 yards per return. He also accumulated 100 tackles, four interceptions, three fumble recoveries and seven pass break-ups.

In the 2000 game against Ohio State, Curry intercepted a pass and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown to help Michigan beat the Buckeyes, 38–26.

In the 2001 Florida Citrus Bowl, Curry had a key interception to help Michigan to a 31–28 victory over Auburn. With the score tied 14–14 and Auburn driving deep in Michigan territory, Curry intercepted a Ken Leard pass at the Michigan 15-yard line and returned it 39 yards to the Auburn 46-yard line. Anthony Thomas scored scored a touchdown six plays later to give Michigan a 21–14 lead at halftime.

As a junior, Curry had 97 return yards on four punts and a kickoff in an early season game against Washington. He missed the final seven games of the 2001 season with nerve damage to his right shoulder. As a senior, Curry had the best game of his career in a 10–7 win over Utah. In the Utah game, Curry intercepted two passes and returned 8 punts for a career-best 105 yards. Curry's final game for Michigan was a 38–30 win over Florida in the 2003 Outback Bowl; Curry had eight tackles and a pass break-up in the game.

Professional football
Curry played professional football for the Detroit Lions in the 2003 NFL season. He appeared in three games and was credited with two tackles for the Lions.

NASCAR
In 2006, Curry formed Curry Racing, Inc., to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Curry Racing became the first team in NASCAR racing with sole minority ownership.

In May 2009, Curry was acquitted by a jury after being charged with stealing $100,000 in a case arising out of a real estate project.