Robert Griffin III returns to Texas

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, right, and Baylor quarterback Nick Florence (11) smile on the field after the game against Texas Tech Saturday in Arlington. Baylor won 52-45 in overtime.
Associated Press

A sea of burgundy and gold overwhelmed Cowboys Stadium and waves of “RG3” chants poured out of the hole in the roof.

Thursday was a homecoming for former Baylor and Heisman-winning quarterback Robert Griffin III as he returned to the Lone Star State as a member of the Washington Redskins.

“It was good to be back in Texas, where I have that feeling of being home and where I spent so many years,” Griffin said.

Arlington was Redskin country, if only for a few hours.

“I’m excited to see him back in Texas,” Temple resident Kaitlyn Rogers said. “My husband saw him play in high school and we have followed ever since. Can’t wait to see him back on the field again.”

The feeling was mutual as fan after fan entered Cowboys Stadium, donning the No. 10 in their selected home- or away- colors.

The jersey of the Redskins’ No. 1 pick is now the second-most purchased in the NFL.

“I ordered my jersey a week after he was drafted and didn’t wear it until today,” Fairfax, Va., native Jessica Rapore said. “We come here every year and this year we have RG3. It’s our year.”

Griffin didn’t disappoint the D.C. fans who made the long trip or the growing number of fans in Texas. By the end of the game, Griffin had brought another first to Redskin fans.

Washington left Dallas with its first-ever Thanksgiving Day victory against the Cowboys, and the rookie became the first Redskin to throw four touchdowns in back-to-back games.

“Finally, the future is bright,” said Hubert Rodriguez, a Dallas native who has been a Redskins fan for more than 20 years. “We’ve been waiting for a quarterback for so long, and finally we have one.”

After Griffin’s third touchdown pass of the second quarter, Cowboy fans let out a sound of disgust and followed with a cheer so familiar to the rookie quarterback.

“RG3. RG3. RG3.”

Griffin provided plenty of reasons to cheer with his play on the field, and the rookie admitted to hearing the chants.

“I played here for a long time,” Griffin said. “I know there are fans of me and my family, of what I’ve been able to do at Baylor and Copperas Cove, Texas. It feels good that they can chant your name and whatever because they feel like, at that point, the game was over.”