Status: Two-time Heisman Trophy winner as a running back at Ohio State (1974, 1975). NFL running back for Cincinnati Bengals from 1976-1982.
DOB: August 21, 1954 In: Columbus, Ohio
Childhood Hero: “My guy was Jim Brown.”
Nickname: “Tank. As a kid I was pretty chubby. When I started playing football, I played guard and noseguard.”
Hobbies/Leisure Activities: “Play golf, all sports, basketball, tennis is one of my favorites.”
Early Football Memory: “When I first started, I never really played very much. I was the type of athlete that got to play in the last two minutes of every game, playing guard and noseguard. It was fun though. I played with guys older. I mention that because playing with those older guys gave me confidence for when it came time for me to play with people my own age. I appreciate that. Those older guys taught me a lot.”
Pre-Game Feeling: “I was very nervous. I’ll be the first to tell you. I had a lot of nervous energy. I moved quite a bit – Coach Hayes tried to settle me down – ‘Be still for a minute. You’re losing too much energy.’ A couple of times I threw up before. But when the first play was called I was fine [smiles].”
Greatest Sports Moment: “My greatest moment would have to be my freshman year at Ohio State. First year of freshman eligible and with that being the case, my number one goal was to make the varsity team at Ohio State. Then in the first game of the season I got in for one play and I fumbled. Just didn’t think I’d get another chance. But that next week playing North Carolina, I got a chance to play in the first quarter and I came in and broke a record – 239 yards in three quarters, which was a record for Ohio State at that time. A wonderful feeling because I never thought that I’d get into the game. All week I was practicing on the scout squad and running the other team’s plays.”
Most Painful Moment: “My senior year when we lost the Rose Bowl to UCLA. After having beaten them earlier in the season by a pretty good score. That kept us from winning a national championship. We didn’t pay attention to our coaches the way we should have. They warned us pretty extensively about being compacent and thinking, Just because you’ve beaten them pretty good before that you’d come out and do it again. We’re out in Los Angeles, having a good time and as a result, we lost the football game and lost the national championship.”
Funny Football Memory: “When I was in pro football and we were playing against the Houston Oilers. And I got hit pretty hard one play. My helmet turned around and I was looking out of my earhole. And going back to the huddle was pretty funny. And when I lined up, I lined up in Houston’s huddle [laughs]. I was a little dazed.”
First Job: “Painting. And I was painting houses. And I pity those houses [laughs].”
First Car: “Used Toronado (green). That didn’t have any reverse.”
Favorite Meal: “A good, old-fashioned hamburger from Wendys.”
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Vanilla.”
Musical Tastes: “All kinds. Urban contemporary, The Temptations, old classics, Philly sounds, Motown sounds.”
People Qualities Most Admired: “People with integrity. Honesty. And people who give it their best shot.”
Career Accomplishments: Won the Heisman Trophy twice; Played in NFL for Cincinnati Bengals from 1976-1982; Competed in Super Bowl XVI; Played in USFL for Jacksonville; Gained 2,808 yards rushing in NFL for a 4.1 yard average; Totaled seven NFL touchdowns.
(Archie Griffin oil painting by LeRoy Neiman.)
Topics: Archie Griffin, Childhood Hero, Cincinnati Bengals, Coach Hayes, First Game, Freshman Year, Greatest Sports, Jim Brown, Leisure Activities, Nervous Energy, Noseguard, Older Guys, One Of My Favorites, Painful Moment, Rose Bowl, Sports Moment, Three Quarters, Trophy Winner, Varsity Team, Wonderful Feeling
Archie Griffin Biofile | 