Ohio State University celebrated one of its most revered athletes, Archie Griffin, by unveiling a statue in his honor at Ohio Stadium on Friday. This event marks the 50th anniversary of Griffin’s first Heisman Trophy win, solidifying his place not only in Ohio State history but also in the broader landscape of college football.
Griffin, a Columbus native, is the only player in history to win the Heisman Trophy twice, achieving this remarkable feat in 1974 and 1975. During his time at Ohio State, Griffin played in four Rose Bowl games, a testament to his exceptional talent and the success of the Buckeyes during his tenure. His impact on the field earned him a spot in both the Rose Bowl and College Football Halls of Fame.
At the dedication ceremony, Griffin was surrounded by family, friends, former teammates, and university leaders. Known for his humility and kindness, Griffin made it clear that this honor was not just his own. “I’ve always felt like winning the Heisman at Ohio State meant it belonged as much to you as it did to me,” he said, addressing the audience. “I want you to really know how much I appreciate the conversations, the meals, and moments that we’ve shared. I appreciate that you still remember me 50 years later.”
Griffin’s connection to Ohio State and the Columbus community runs deep. Born at University Hospital and a football star at Eastmoor High School, Griffin’s journey to Buckeye stardom was a homegrown success story. After his illustrious college career, he continued to serve the university in various capacities, including a long tenure in the athletics department and as the president and CEO of the Ohio State Alumni Association.
Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. spoke to Griffin’s lasting influence, stating, “As college football's only two-time Heisman Trophy winner, and as president and CEO of the Alumni Association, Archie has always represented the best of what being a Buckeye is all about. Ohio State is truly fortunate that Archie and the entire family continue to be pillars in the community.”
Ross Bjork, Ohio State’s Senior Vice President and Athletic Director, also paid tribute to Griffin, emphasizing the cultural significance of the Buckeye community. “Here’s what I’ve learned since I became a Buckeye: Everything is connected through the people. Relationships matter. The culture is well-defined. Excellence is a core value. We embrace elite expectations. Ohio State is a public trust. We belong to the state of Ohio,” Bjork said. “What I didn’t have to learn was the greatness of Archie Griffin. His legacy on the field and all the things he did for this great game is well documented.”
Head football coach Ryan Day shared his admiration for Griffin, noting the example he sets for both past and current players. “It’s an unbelievable example to our players about the impact you’ve made in the community, the charities [you’ve supported]. To see the statue being unveiled today is a great representation of the legacy that you’ve left, and you will continue to leave as we move forward,”
Day said. “When I think ‘Archie Griffin,’ that’s what I think of – class.”
The newly unveiled statue is a replica of one placed earlier this month at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The statue now stands proudly at Ohio Stadium, serving as a permanent reminder of Griffin’s contributions to the university and his lasting legacy. Griffin hopes that the statue will become a gathering place for fans and an inspiration for future Buckeyes. “I love the idea that Buckeye fans might stop by to visit before a game, or talk to future generations of Buckeyes about the great teams that I played on,” he expressed. “I’m just really so honored when I think about how I can now stay connected to the fans of Ohio State forever.”
Griffin’s journey to becoming a Buckeye legend began in the early 1970s when he was recruited by the legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes. Griffin quickly made his mark, setting a school single-game rushing record with 239 yards in just his second game as a freshman. Over his four seasons with the Buckeyes, Griffin led the team in rushing each year, amassing 5,589 yards on 924 carries—a record at the time.
Griffin’s accolades are numerous. He was a three-time All-American, a two-time Big Ten Conference Most Valuable Player, and the recipient of both the Walter Camp and Maxwell Awards. In 2013, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses named Griffin the All-Century Player, celebrating the Rose Bowl’s first 100 years. His No. 45 jersey was the first to be retired by Ohio State, a fitting tribute to a player whose impact went far beyond the field.
Following his NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals, Griffin returned to Ohio State, where he spent two decades in the athletics department before leading the Alumni Association. Even in retirement, Griffin continues to serve as a senior advisor and fundraiser for the university.
As Ohio State continues to celebrate Griffin throughout the season, he will have the honor of dotting the “i” in the Ohio State Marching Band’s “Script Ohio” during the halftime show of the Buckeyes’ season opener against Akron.
Reflecting on his life and career, Griffin emphasized the importance of teamwork and community, values instilled in him by his parents and reinforced by Coach Hayes. “Woody taught us all about the importance of paying forward. He would say you can never pay back those who have helped you but you can always pay forward to the next generation,” Griffin recalled. “As we dedicate this statue today, I want everyone here to know that you’re not only honoring me today but instead recognizing the teams that I played on during my four years at The Ohio State University.”
Griffin’s legacy is not just that of a football icon but also of a man who has consistently represented the best of Ohio State. As the university honors his achievements with this statue, Griffin’s story continues to inspire future generations of Buckeyes. “I hope when people see this statue they think about the great teams we had the four years I played and not just the guy who wore number 45 who got too much credit,” Griffin said, ever humble in the face of his monumental accomplishments.
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