Archie Griffin

Archie Griffin is a former American football running back who achieved unprecedented success during his collegiate career at Ohio State University. He is the only player to win the Heisman Trophy twice, capturing the prestigious award in both 1974 and 1975. Griffin later played seven seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals in the National Football League before transitioning to a prominent career in athletic administration and philanthropy.

Early life and high school career

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Griffin attended Eastmoor Academy where he excelled in multiple sports. He became a standout football player under coach Bob Stuart, leading his team to a Columbus City League championship. His exceptional high school performance earned him All-Ohio honors and attracted the attention of major college programs, including the nearby Ohio State Buckeyes coached by Woody Hayes.

College career

Griffin's career at Ohio State University under legendary coach Woody Hayes is considered one of the greatest in college football history. As a key member of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, he rushed for over 100 yards in an NCAA-record 31 consecutive games. He was a central figure in powerful Buckeye teams that won four straight Big Ten Conference championships from 1972 to 1975 and made three appearances in the Rose Bowl. His back-to-back Heisman Trophy victories in 1974 and 1975 remain a unique achievement, and he also won the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Award. Griffin was a three-time Consensus All-American and finished his career with 5,589 rushing yards.

Professional career

Selected in the first round of the 1976 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, Griffin played his entire seven-year National Football League career with the franchise. He was part of the 1981 Bengals team that reached Super Bowl XVI, losing to the San Francisco 49ers. While his professional statistics did not match his collegiate dominance, he served as a reliable contributor, often sharing backfield duties with teammates like Pete Johnson and Charles Alexander. His career concluded after the 1983 NFL season.

Post-football life and legacy

Following his playing days, Griffin earned his bachelor's degree from Ohio State University and served as an assistant athletic director at his alma mater. In 2004, he was named President and CEO of the Ohio State University Alumni Association, a position he held for over a decade. He has been deeply involved in numerous charitable endeavors, including the Archie Griffin Scholarship Fund and the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. His legacy is permanently honored at Ohio Stadium, where his number 45 jersey is retired, and he is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Awards and honors

Griffin's trophy case is headlined by his two Heisman Trophy awards. His other major collegiate honors include the Maxwell Award, the Walter Camp Award, and being named UPI College Football Player of the Year twice. He was a three-time Consensus All-American and a two-time winner of the Chicago Tribune Silver Football as the Big Ten Conference's most valuable player. In addition to his College Football Hall of Fame induction, he has been honored by the National Football Foundation and the State of Ohio for his contributions to the sport and community.

Category:American football running backs Category:Ohio State Buckeyes football players Category:Cincinnati Bengals players Category:Heisman Trophy winners Category:College Football Hall of Fame inductees