Archie Griffin remains one of the most recognizable names in college football history, and the Big Ten Network made sure to celebrate the Ohio State legend on his 72nd birthday Friday. Griffin, who was born Aug. 21, 1954, owns a distinction that no player has been able to match in the decades since his remarkable career with the Buckeyes: He remains the only two-time winner of the Heisman Trophy.
Rather than simply posting an old highlight from Griffin’s playing days, Big Ten Network went with a more recent and entertaining moment, sharing footage of the former Ohio State running back finding the end zone during the Buckeyes’ 2023 spring game.
Big Ten Network Shares Archie Griffin Birthday Tribute
Big Ten Network posted the video Friday while recognizing Griffin’s birthday.
“HBD, Archie Griffin!” the network wrote. “Let’s celebrate with the only 2x Heisman Trophy winner’s TD in the 2023 Ohio State spring game.”
The clip offered a fun reminder of Griffin’s lasting connection to the Ohio State program. Nearly five decades after his final college season, Griffin took a handoff during the 2023 spring game and crossed the goal line while wearing his iconic No. 45.
The ceremonial touchdown was considerably easier than many of the yards Griffin accumulated during his playing career, but seeing him back on the field provided a memorable moment for Buckeyes fans.
Griffin starred at Ohio State from 1972 through 1975 and finished his career with 5,177 rushing yards. He recorded 34 career 100-yard rushing games, including an NCAA-record streak of 31 consecutive games reaching the century mark.
Archie Griffin’s Heisman Accomplishment Still Stands Alone
Griffin’s place in college football history was secured during his final two seasons at Ohio State.
He won his first Heisman Trophy in 1974 after rushing for 1,620 yards and 12 touchdowns. Griffin returned in 1975 and won the award again, becoming college football’s first two-time Heisman winner.
More than 50 years later, he remains its only one.
Griffin also helped Ohio State win four Big Ten championships and started in four Rose Bowls during his college career. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986, and Ohio State retired his No. 45 in 1999.
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Griffin with the No. 24 overall pick in the 1976 NFL Draft. He spent seven seasons with Cincinnati and accumulated 2,808 rushing yards and 1,607 receiving yards.
Decades after Griffin last carried the football for Ohio State, his place in the sport’s record book remains untouched.
Big Ten Network’s birthday tribute provided another opportunity to celebrate the Buckeyes legend and the historic accomplishment college football is still waiting for someone else to match.
