The only player to win the Heisman Trophy twice in history
In short: In the high-stakes world of college football, one achievement remains untouched. Archie Griffin didn't just win the Heisman Trophy; he secured it twice, a feat no other player has managed in the history of the award. From Ohio State to the NFL, his dominance redefined what a running back could achieve on the field.
Archie Griffin's collegiate career at Ohio State University from 1972 to 1975 was defined by unprecedented consistency. After a freshman season where he rushed for 867 yards, his production surged following the team's transition to the I-formation. He recorded 1,428 yards as a sophomore, 1,620 as a junior, and 1,357 as a senior, totaling 5,589 rushing yards—an NCAA record at the time.
This prolific output led to his historic Heisman Trophy wins in 1974 and 1975. Beyond the Heisman, Griffin was a dominant force in the Big Ten Conference, becoming the first player to lead the conference in rushing for three consecutive years. He also secured multiple Player of the Year honors from organizations including United Press International, the Walter Camp Foundation, and The Sporting News.
Griffin's success translated to the professional level when he was selected in the first round of the 1976 NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He played seven seasons in Cincinnati, contributing to the franchise's Super Bowl XVI debut. His professional career was eventually hampered by a significant Achilles tendon injury in 1980, which compromised his speed and led to his departure from the starting position. He concluded his professional playing career in 1985 with the Jacksonville Bulls of the USFL.
His legacy is cemented through numerous accolades, including inductions into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986 and the National High School Hall of Fame in 1996. A leading figure within the Ohio State community, he previously led the university's Alumni Association as its president and CEO.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Archie Griffin
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