History of Robert Griffin III in Timeline

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Robert Griffin III

Robert Griffin III, also known as RGIII or RG3, is a former American football quarterback. After a standout college career at Baylor, where he won the Heisman Trophy, he was drafted second overall by the Washington Redskins in 2012. Griffin played eight seasons in the NFL, experiencing early success with the Redskins before injuries impacted his career. He also played for the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens.

1950: Drafted by the Washington Redskins

Robert Griffin III was the first Baylor quarterback to be chosen second overall since Adrian Burk in 1950.

1984: Death of Robert Griffin Sr.

In 1984, Robert Griffin III's paternal grandfather, Robert Griffin Sr., passed away at the age of 43 due to a brain aneurysm.

February 12, 1990: Robert Griffin III Born

Robert Lee Griffin III, also known as RGIII or RG3, was born on February 12, 1990. He later became a professional football quarterback.

Others born on this day/year

1994: PFWA All-Rookie Team

In 2012 Robert Griffin III was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team, becoming the second Redskins quarterback to receive this award, joining Heath Shuler who won it in 1994.

1997: Family Settled in Copperas Cove, Texas

In 1997, after retiring from the military, Robert Griffin III's family settled in Copperas Cove, Texas.

1999: Redskins division title

In 1999, Griffin led the Washington Redskins to their first division title since 1999, earning him Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl honors.

2007: Redskins' Playoff Appearance

After starting the season 3-6, Robert Griffin III played a vital role in helping the Redskins finish the regular season on a 7-game winning streak, leading the team to its first playoff appearance since the 2007 season.

2007: Tim Tebow Heisman trophy

Due to the Alamo Bowl, Griffin became the first player since Tim Tebow in 2007 to win the Heisman and not appear in the National Championship (#1 LSU faced #2 Alabama).

2007: Track and Field achievements

In 2007, Robert Griffin III, as a junior, was rated the No. 1 high school 400-meter intermediate hurdler and tied at No. 1 for the 110-meter sprint hurdler in the nation. He received the Gatorade Texas Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year award and was named to USA Today's 2007 All-USA Track and Field team.

2007: Lost Championship Game

In 2007, during Robert Griffin III's senior season at Copperas Cove High School, the team finished with a 13-2 record but lost in the championship game of the Class 4A Division I state playoffs.

May 18, 2008: Personal Best in 400-meter Hurdles

On May 18, 2008, Robert Griffin III achieved his personal best in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 49.22 seconds.

2008: College Recruitment

In 2008, Robert Griffin III was ranked as a top dual-threat quarterback prospect and was pursued by several universities, eventually committing to Baylor after Art Briles became the head coach there.

2008: Started Attending Baylor University

In the spring of 2008, Robert Griffin III began attending Baylor University at the age of 17 and joined the track and field team, achieving success in the 400-meter hurdles.

2009: Second Baylor Bear Drafted

In 2009, Jason Smith was drafted, making Robert Griffin III the second Baylor Bear to be drafted that high in four years

2009: Beginning of Relationship with Rebecca Liddicoat

In 2009, Robert Griffin III began dating fellow Baylor student Rebecca Liddicoat.

2009: ACL Tear

In 2009, Robert Griffin III sustained an isolated tear to his ACL during the third game against Northwestern State, causing him to miss the remainder of the season.

December 2010: Graduated with a Bachelor's Degree

In December 2010, Robert Griffin III graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science with a 3.67 GPA from Baylor University.

2010: Returned as a Sophomore

In 2010, Robert Griffin III returned as a sophomore after being granted redshirt status due to an injury in the 2009 season. He finished the season with 3,501 passing yards and 22 touchdowns.

2010: Rams selected Sam Bradford

The St. Louis Rams had selected Sam Bradford to be their long-term starting quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft.

2011: Pursued Master's Degree

In 2011, Robert Griffin III began pursuing a Master's degree in communications while still playing college football.

2011: Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholar

In 2011, Robert Griffin III was named an Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholar by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education.

2011: Heisman Trophy Winner

In 2011, Robert Griffin III won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first player from Baylor to win the award. He led Baylor to a 10-3 record, including a win in the Alamo Bowl, finishing the season with impressive passing and rushing statistics.

January 11, 2012: Declared for the NFL Draft

On January 11, 2012, Robert Griffin III announced his intention to enter the 2012 NFL draft.

July 18, 2012: Signed Redskins Contract

On July 18, 2012, Robert Griffin III signed a four-year, $21.1 million contract with the Redskins, including a $13.8 million signing bonus.

September 9, 2012: NFL Debut and Win

On September 9, 2012, Robert Griffin III made his NFL debut as the starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins, leading them to a 40-32 victory over the New Orleans Saints. He was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week and NFL Rookie of the Week for his outstanding performance.

2012: Griffin Debuts

After some controversy over whether Griffin would be ready, in 2012 he debuted in the loss to Philadelphia Eagles.

2012: NFL Draft Prospect

By the end of his junior season, Robert Griffin III had established himself as the No. 2 quarterback prospect for the 2012 NFL draft, behind Andrew Luck.

2012: Drafted by the Washington Redskins

In 2012, Robert Griffin III was drafted second overall by the Washington Redskins in the NFL draft after playing college football for the Baylor Bears.

2012: NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award

In 2012, Robert Griffin III won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, recognizing his successful rookie season.

2012: Traded to the Redskins

In 2012, the Washington Redskins acquired the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft from the St. Louis Rams by trading multiple high-value draft picks over three years.

July 6, 2013: Marriage to Rebecca Liddicoat

Robert Griffin III married fellow Baylor student Rebecca Liddicoat on July 6, 2013.

2013: Griffin's Season and Inactivity Announcement

During the first half of the 2013 season, Griffin did not replicate his 2012 success. On December 11, 2013, head coach Mike Shanahan announced that Griffin would be inactive for the last three games of the season to eliminate risk of further injury.

2013: Pro Bowl Selection and NFL Top 100 Ranking

In 2013, Robert Griffin III was named to enter the Pro Bowl, but was unable to participate due to injuries. He was also ranked 15th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.

2013: Traded to the Redskins

In 2013, the Washington Redskins traded multiple high-value draft picks to the St. Louis Rams for the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft.

September 14, 2014: Griffin's Ankle Injury

On September 14, 2014, during Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Robert Griffin III was carted off the field after suffering a dislocated left ankle.

2014: Traded to the Redskins

In 2014, the Washington Redskins traded multiple high-value draft picks to the St. Louis Rams for the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft.

September 13, 2015: Griffin Practicing as Safety

On September 13, 2015, it was reported that Robert Griffin III was practicing as a safety with the scout team. He was third on the quarterback depth chart and remained inactive for the entire regular season.

2015: Birth of First Child

In 2015, Rebecca Liddicoat gave birth to Robert Griffin III's first child, a daughter.

2015: Marcus Mariota breaks Griffin's record

In 2015, Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota threw for a perfect passer rating at 21 years and 318 days old in his debut, breaking Robert Griffin III's record of being the youngest player to achieve a perfect passer rating in a game.

2015: Lost Starting Position

In 2015, after suffering a severe knee injury in the playoffs, Robert Griffin III lost his starting quarterback position to Kirk Cousins.

March 7, 2016: Griffin Released by Redskins

On March 7, 2016, Robert Griffin III was released by the Redskins.

March 24, 2016: Griffin Signs with Browns

On March 24, 2016, Robert Griffin III signed a two-year, $15.1 million contract with the Cleveland Browns.

April 2016: Sale of Virginia Home

In April 2016, while playing for the Redskins, Robert Griffin III sold his home in Leesburg, Virginia, for $2.7 million.

August 8, 2016: Griffin Named Browns' Starting Quarterback

On August 8, 2016, Browns head coach Hue Jackson named Robert Griffin III the team's starting quarterback for the 2016 season.

August 2016: Romantic Link with Grete Šadeiko

In August 2016, Robert Griffin III and Estonian heptathlete Grete Šadeiko became romantically linked.

August 16, 2016: Separation and Divorce Filing

On August 16, 2016, it was reported that Robert Griffin III and his wife, Rebecca, were separated and in the process of filing for divorce.

December 9, 2016: Griffin Activated Off Injured Reserve

On December 9, 2016, Robert Griffin III was activated off injured reserve prior to Week 14 against the Bengals.

2016: Signed with Cleveland Browns

In 2016, Robert Griffin III signed with the Cleveland Browns, but his time there was plagued by injuries, which led to his release at the end of the season.

2016: First Start since 2016

In Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Griffin made his first start since the 2016 season because the Ravens secured the top seed in the AFC playoffs and sat their starters as a result.

March 10, 2017: Griffin Released by Browns

On March 10, 2017, Robert Griffin III was released by the Cleveland Browns.

May 13, 2017: Engagement to Grete Šadeiko

On May 13, 2017, Robert Griffin III and Estonian heptathlete Grete Šadeiko became engaged.

2017: Free Agency

In 2017, Robert Griffin III remained a free agent for the entire year.

March 10, 2018: Marriage to Grete Šadeiko

Robert Griffin III and Grete Šadeiko were married on March 10, 2018; she is now Grete Griffin.

April 4, 2018: Griffin Signs with Ravens

On April 4, 2018, after being a free agent for all of 2017, Robert Griffin III signed a one-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens.

September 2, 2018: Griffin Named Backup Quarterback

On September 2, 2018, Robert Griffin III was named the Baltimore Ravens' backup quarterback.

2018: Joined the Baltimore Ravens

In 2018, after spending a year in free agency, Robert Griffin III joined the Baltimore Ravens and served as a backup quarterback for three seasons.

March 21, 2019: Griffin Re-Signs with Ravens

On March 21, 2019, Robert Griffin III re-signed with the Baltimore Ravens on a two-year contract.

July 28, 2019: Griffin Suffers Thumb Fracture

On July 28, 2019, Robert Griffin III suffered a fractured thumb and was expected to miss 4–8 weeks.

September 8, 2019: Griffin Returns to Play

On September 8, 2019, Robert Griffin III returned in time for the regular-season opener against the Miami Dolphins, completing all six pass attempts for 55 yards and one touchdown.

September 2019: Birth of Third Daughter

In September 2019, Robert Griffin III's third daughter was born.

December 4, 2020: Griffin Placed on Injured Reserve

Robert Griffin III was placed on injured reserve on December 4, 2020, after injuring his left hamstring during the Ravens' Week 12 matchup against the Steelers.

January 18, 2021: Griffin Waived by Ravens

On January 18, 2021, Robert Griffin III was waived by the Baltimore Ravens.

February 2021: RGIII Foundation Donation to Food Bank

In February 2021, Robert Griffin III's RGIII foundation donated 10,500 meals to the North Texas Food Bank.

August 2021: Griffin Joins ESPN as Analyst

In August 2021, Robert Griffin III signed a multi-year contract with ESPN as an analyst for their college football coverage and NFL Live.

December 2022: Grete in Labor

In December 2022 Grete Griffin was in labor with Robert Griffin III's fourth child.

December 2022: RGIII Foundation Shopping Spree

In December 2022, Robert Griffin III's RGIII foundation gave a one-day shopping spree at Walmart for 25 Boys & Girls Clubs members in his hometown of Copperas Cove, Texas.

2022: Griffin joins Monday Night Countdown

In 2022, Robert Griffin III joined Monday Night Countdown on ESPN to replace Randy Moss.

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December 31, 2022: Departure from Broadcast due to Labor

On December 31, 2022, Robert Griffin III abruptly left Pat McAfee's alternate broadcast of the December 2022 Fiesta Bowl after learning that Grete was in labor with his fourth child.

September 2023: Griffin Launches Podcast Series

In September 2023, Robert Griffin III launched his own podcast series, "RG3 and The Ones," via YouTube, which is based on interviews with personnel involved with the NFL.

August 15, 2024: Network Fires Griffin

On August 15, 2024, ESPN fired Robert Griffin III.

April 24, 2025: Griffin Joins Fox Sports

On April 24, 2025, it was reported that Robert Griffin III joined Fox Sports to be part of their college football coverage.