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