Archie Griffin stands alone in the history books as the only two-time winner of the Heisman Trophy. While modern college football features explosive offensive schemes and explosive athletes, Griffin carved out his legacy in the 1970s through sheer durability, vision, and relentless work ethic under legendary coach Woody Hayes.
Playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Griffin didn't look like a typical bruising fullback. Standing 5 feet 9 inches and weighing roughly 180 pounds, he relied on exceptional balance, sharp cutting ability, and an instinct for finding daylight. His journey from a standout high school player in Columbus to a gridiron icon involved overcoming early fumbling struggles, high expectations, and the grueling physical toll of carrying an offense week after week.
Early Life and High School Dominance in Columbus
Born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1954, Griffin grew up immersed in a football-loving family with multiple brothers who also played the sport. He attended Eastmoor Academy, where he quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic running backs in the state.
During his high school career, Griffin showcased the elusiveness that would later torment college defenses across the country. Named the player of the year in Ohio in 1971, he received more than 150 scholarship offers. Though he initially considered attending Northwestern University, he decided to stay home and commit to Ohio State University, setting the stage for an unprecedented collegiate run.
The Ohio State Era and Historic Heisman Triumphs
Griffin didn't have an immediate, flawless start to his collegiate career. On his very first carry in his freshman season opener, he fumbled. Woody Hayes, notorious for his strict discipline and low tolerance for mistakes, kept faith in the young tailback. Griffin responded by turning that early stumble into a historic freshman campaign.
In just his second collegiate game against North Carolina, Griffin rushed for 239 yards, shattering the single-game school rushing record. He followed it up by breaking his own record the next year with 246 yards against Iowa.
The Milestone Statistics
- Rushing Yards: 5,177 total yards during his four-year career (an NCAA record at the time).
- Consecutive 100-Yard Games: An unmatched NCAA record of 31 straight games rushing for over 100 yards.
- Rose Bowl Appearances: The first player in history to start in four consecutive Rose Bowls.
In 1974, as a junior, Griffin rushed for 1,620 yards and led the Buckeyes to a 10-1 record, capturing his first Heisman Trophy. Instead of resting on his laurels, he returned for his senior season in 1975, rushing for 1,357 yards and securing a second consecutive Heisman Trophy. To this day, he remains the sole recipient of the award twice.
Transition to the NFL and the Cincinnati Bengals
Following his legendary college career, the Cincinnati Bengals selected Griffin in the first round of the 1976 NFL Draft with the 24th overall pick. Moving from the centerpiece of an offense to the professional ranks brought immediate adjustments.
In the NFL, Griffin shifted into a hybrid role. While he never replicated the massive rushing totals of his college days, he proved to be a reliable and versatile weapon out of the backfield. Over seven seasons with Cincinnati, he rushed for 2,808 yards and added 192 receptions for 1,607 yards. He helped lead the Bengals to Super Bowl XVI following the 1981 season, where they fell to the San Francisco 49ers.
After his stint in Cincinnati, Griffin spent a brief period playing for the Jacksonville Bulls of the United States Football League (USFL) in 1985 before stepping away from the playing field.
Administrative Legacy and Post-Football Impact
Unlike many athletes who struggle to find an identity after hanging up their cleats, Griffin transitioned smoothly into sports administration and community leadership. He returned to his alma mater, serving in various administrative roles within the athletic department before spending over a decade as the President and CEO of the Ohio State University Alumni Association.
Griffin also became deeply involved in amateur sports governance, joining the board of directors for the National Football Foundation and serving as the national spokesman for the Wendy's High School Heisman program. His number 45 was retired by Ohio State in 1999, and the university honored his enduring legacy in 2024 by unveiling a statue outside Ohio Stadium.
Common Misconceptions About Archie Griffin
- Myth: Griffin was a dominant power rusher who relied on sheer size to break tackles.
- Reality: At 5-9 and under 190 pounds, Griffin succeeded through exceptional vision, low center of gravity, blocking technique, and extraordinary stamina rather than raw power.
- Myth: He dominated the NFL just as he dominated college football.
- Reality: While a solid professional and a valuable third-down and receiving threat, his NFL stats were modest compared to his collegiate records due to sharing backfield duties and injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has any other player won the Heisman Trophy twice?
No. Archie Griffin remains the only player in college football history to win the Heisman Trophy twice, taking home the honor in 1974 and 1975.
What was Archie Griffin's signature college record?
His most notable unbroken record is rushing for 100 yards or more in 31 consecutive games during his career at Ohio State.
How long did Archie Griffin play in the NFL?
Griffin played eight professional seasons total, spending seven years with the Cincinnati Bengals from 1976 to 1982 and finishing his career in the USFL with the Jacksonville Bulls.
What did Archie Griffin do after retiring from football?
He dedicated decades to Ohio State University, working in athletic administration and serving as the President and CEO of the Ohio State University Alumni Association.
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