Robert Griffin III
- Attended Copperas Cove High School
Robert Griffin III, often known by his nickname RGIII, emerged as one of the most electrifying and promising talents in American football during the early 2010s, capturing the nation's attention with his dynamic play and winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy. His professional career, marked by a spectacular rookie season and subsequent challenges with injuries, spanned eight seasons in the National Football League. Born on February 12, 1990, in Okinawa, Japan, where his parents, Robert Griffin Jr. and Jackie Griffin, were stationed with the U.S. Army, Griffin's athletic prowess was evident from a young age. He excelled in both track and football at Copperas Cove High School in Texas, setting the stage for a remarkable collegiate career.
Choosing to attend Baylor University, Griffin transformed the football program, leading the Bears to new heights with his arm and his legs. His senior season in 2011 was legendary, as he threw for 4,293 yards and 37 touchdowns against only six interceptions, captivating the college football world and earning him the Heisman Trophy as the nation's most outstanding player. This achievement made him Baylor's first Heisman winner and solidified his status as a top NFL prospect. The Washington Redskins selected him with the second overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, a move that ignited immediate hope for the franchise.
Griffin's impact in Washington was instantaneous and historic. He led the team to the NFC East title, their first since 1999, while setting NFL rookie records for passer rating and touchdown-interception ratio. His thrilling style of play earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and a Pro Bowl selection, making him a superstar. However, a severe knee injury suffered in a playoff loss that January became a pivotal moment. His recovery and subsequent playing style were heavily scrutinized, and he struggled to recapture his rookie form over the next few seasons. After losing the starting job to Kirk Cousins, Griffin was released following the 2015 season.
He signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2016, but his tenure was again hampered by injuries, limiting him to just five starts. Following a year out of the league, he joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, where he spent three seasons as a reliable backup to Lamar Jackson, providing veteran mentorship and occasional spot starts. Griffin announced his retirement from the NFL in April 2021. He has since transitioned smoothly into a successful media career, serving as a college football and NFL analyst for ESPN, where his insightful commentary is featured on platforms like College GameDay and Monday Night Countdown. In his personal life, Griffin was previously married to Rebecca Liddicoat from 2013 to 2016.