In the pantheon of college football, few names shine as brightly as Archie Griffin. The Ohio State Buckeyes legend, a two-time Heisman Trophy winner, has been named one of TIME 100’s Most Influential Sports Legends, a testament to his enduring impact on the game and the hearts of fans across the nation. Griffin’s journey from a scrappy kid in Columbus to a gridiron icon is a story of grit, glory, and an unrelenting drive that redefined what it means to be a champion.
Born in 1954 in Columbus, Ohio, Archie Griffin was destined to bleed scarlet and gray. Growing up in a working-class family, he honed his skills on the fields of Eastmoor High School, where his explosive speed and uncanny vision caught the eye of Ohio State’s legendary coach Woody Hayes. By the time Griffin stepped onto the hallowed turf of Ohio Stadium in 1972, he was ready to carve his name into college football history. Over four electrifying seasons, he didn’t just play the game—he redefined it.
What sets Griffin apart isn’t just his stats, though they are staggering: 5,589 rushing yards, 26 touchdowns, and a record-setting 31 consecutive 100-yard games. It’s the way he played—with a ferocity tempered by humility, a combination that made him a hero to fans and a nightmare for defenders. In 1974, as a junior, Griffin won his first Heisman Trophy, dazzling the nation with 1,695 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. Skeptics wondered if he could repeat the feat. In 1975, he silenced them, rushing for 1,450 yards and claiming a second Heisman, becoming the only player in history to win college football’s most prestigious award twice.
But Griffin’s influence stretches far beyond the numbers. He embodied the spirit of Ohio State football: relentless, disciplined, and fiercely loyal. Under Hayes’ tutelage, Griffin helped lead the Buckeyes to four straight Big Ten titles and three Rose Bowl appearances. His work ethic was legendary—teammates recall him running sprints after practice, determined to outwork everyone. That drive wasn’t just about personal glory; it was about lifting his team, his university, and his community. As Hayes once said, “Archie Griffin doesn’t just carry the ball; he carries the hopes of Buckeye Nation.”
Off the field, Griffin’s impact was just as profound. In an era when college football was still grappling with racial integration, he became a unifying figure. His quiet confidence and unassuming demeanor broke down barriers, earning him respect from teammates, opponents, and fans alike. He wasn’t just a star; he was a role model, proving that talent and character could coexist in a sport often defined by ego.
After college, Griffin’s seven-year NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals added to his legacy, but it’s his post-playing days that cemented his influence. As president of the Ohio State Alumni Association and a tireless advocate for education and community service, Griffin has inspired generations. His Archie Griffin Scholarship Fund supports student-athletes, ensuring that future Buckeyes can chase their dreams, just as he did. His work with the Boys & Girls Clubs and other charities reflects the same heart that made him a legend on the field.
TIME’s recognition of Griffin as one of the 100 Most Influential Sports Legends places him alongside icons like Muhammad Ali and Serena Williams, a nod to his lasting impact on sports and culture. It’s not just about the records he set but the blueprint he created: for excellence, for resilience, for giving back. In Columbus, his No. 45 jersey is a sacred symbol, retired by Ohio State in 1999, a reminder of what one man can achieve when talent meets tenacity.
Today, as college football evolves with NIL deals and transfer portals, Griffin’s legacy feels more relevant than ever. He reminds us of a simpler era, when the game was about pride, teamwork, and the roar of a stadium on a crisp autumn Saturday. His story resonates with anyone who’s ever dared to dream big, from the kids playing pickup games in Ohio to the athletes striving for greatness worldwide.
Archie Griffin’s inclusion in TIME 100’s Most Influential Sports Legends isn’t just a celebration of a Buckeye hero; it’s a tribute to the power of sport to inspire, unite, and endure. From the fields of Columbus to the annals of history, Griffin’s gridiron glory continues to shine, a beacon for all who chase immortality through the game they love.
