The tale of 10

Above: Robert Griffin III joins fans for a postgame interview after the Bears upset TCU, 50-48, on Sept. 2. Matt Hellman | Lariat Photo Editor

Ten moments that helped shape Robert Griffin III’s career, plus images to remember from Baylor’s historic 2011 season

Robert Griffin III joins fans for a postgame interview after the Bears upset TCU, 50-48, on Sept. 2.
Matt Hellman | Lariat Photo Editor

May 17, 2008
Griffin wins the Big 12 400-meter hurdle race at the conference meet after graduating Copperas Cove one semester early.

Aug. 28, 2008
In the Bears’ season opener against No. 23 Wake Forest, coach Art Briles replaces starting quarterback Kirby Freeman with Griffin. Griffin breaks a 22-yard run, during which he fakes out a defender and dodges the tackle, and makes national highlights despite the Bears losing 41-13.

Nov. 15, 2008

Fans receive a breath of fresh air when Griffin helps Baylor rout Texas A&M 41-21 to snap the Bears’ four-game losing streak and keep the team from finishing the Big 12 in last place. Griffin throws two touchdowns and rushes for 56 yards.

Griffin III hurdles over a Missouri defender in Baylor’s 42-39 Homecoming victory against the Tigers.

Sept. 27, 2009

It is revealed Griffin has a season-ending ACL injury suffered in Baylor’s 68-13 win over Northwestern State. Under replacement Nick Florence, the Bears finish the season 4-8.

Oct. 23, 2010

Griffin throws for 404 yards and four touchdowns as Baylor beats Kansas State and becomes bowl eligible for the first time since 1994.

Sept. 2, 2011

A national ESPN audience watches Baylor drive down the field, aided by a trick play in which Griffin catches a Kendall Wright pass, and score to upset No. 14 TCU 50-48. Griffin records five passing touchdowns.

With eight seconds left in the game, Griffin launches a game-winning touchdown pass to receiver Terrance Williams. The 45-38 win over then-No.5 Oklahoma returned the national media spotlight to Waco.
Meagan Downing | Lariat Photographer

Nov. 19, 2011

Pandemonium strikes Floyd Casey Stadium following Griffin’s game-winning touchdown pass to Terrance Williams against No. 5 Oklahoma. The Bears’ 45-38 shocker is broadcast nationally on ABC.

Dec. 3, 2011

Griffin makes his final case for the Heisman, throwing for 359 yards and two touchdowns in Baylor’s 48-24 win over Texas. The victory is the Bears’ fifth straight and keeps them unbeaten at Floyd Casey Stadium in 2011.

Dec. 4, 2011

At 9-3 on the season, Baylor accepts an invitation to play in the 2011 Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio against the Pac 12’s Washington Huskies. “It’s in Texas, our fans will travel really well and we are excited,” Griffin says.

Dec. 10, 2011

Griffin becomes the first Heisman trophy winner in the history of Baylor University. “The hotter the heat, the harder the steel. No pressure, no diamonds. We compete, we win. We are Baylor,” Griffin says in his acceptance speech.