WACO, Tex.—For all he’s already endured—the comparisons to Cam Newton, the inevitable pressure of personifying the future of an NFL franchise, carrying the weight of putting a major college football program on the map—you wouldn’t be able to tell by watching Robert Griffin III in person.
“They said it was the biggest Pro Day at Baylor of all time, so it was pretty exciting,” Griffin said. “It seems like a few weeks ago I was just a freshman at 198 lbs., and now I’m at my Pro Day getting ready to enter the NFL. So this whole moment has been surreal. Other than that, I’ve tried to not be nervous.”
Seeming comfortable as ever and showing a loose, casual demeanor at his Pro Day, a smiling, laughing Griffin wowed scouts and select guests in attendance Wednesday. He was the center of attention, but the dozens of cameras, bright lights and NFL personnel all focusing on this year’s Heisman Trophy winner didn’t faze him.
“He’s done everything on and off the football field,” Baylor University head football coach Art Briles told Pro Player Insiders. “That’s what he is—a difference-maker.”
While his teammates went through the gauntlet of physical measurements, performance testing and position-specific work, Griffin showed his leadership qualities by congratulating and cheering on his Baylor brethren. When it was his turn to perform, everyone inside the facility at this private Baptist university became fixated on his every step and throw.
Griffin performed a scripted set of throws under the tutelage of his quarterbacks coach Terry Shea. He completed 78-of-84 passes, with four of the six incompletions coming on receiver drops.
“I thought it went great,” Griffin said in his post-workout press conference. “I had a few misses, but other than that, I think the stat was 78 out of 84. That’s pretty good. The guys came out and worked really hard, so that’s all you can ask for.”
Ten professional prospects worked out Wednesday at Baylor’s Pro Day. Some are expected to make it to the NFL, but there was no doubt who virtually everyone was there to see. Griffin’s accolades comprised three full pages in the media materials, while all other players working out took up a maximum of one page. More than 140 credentialed media members and more than 60 NFL personnel representing 25 clubs were in attendance.
With his family in attendance and showing their support, Griffin felt at ease doing what he’s done his whole life.
“Robert has a tremendous support group; they’re all detail-oriented and passionate,” Briles told PPI. “At the end of the day, it’s about that individual.”
Briles laughed when a reporter asked how much he’ll miss having Griffin in his football program.
“He’s blood, he’ll stay connected,” Briles said. “But on the field, that’s a different story.”
Griffin, showing his likability factor and easy-going nature, warmed up by playing an impromptu game of catch with a toddler wearing his No. 10 jersey. With scouts from most NFL clubs in attendance, he lived up to expectations, showing off fancy footwork and putting his elite athleticism on display.
Perhaps the most important contingent watching Griffin was that of the Washington Redskins, who will draft Griffin with the second overall pick in next month’s draft after pulling off a blockbuster trade with the St. Louis Rams. Owner Dan Snyder, general manager Bruce Allen, head coach Mike Shanahan and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan all made the trip to Baylor to watch their future quarterback perform.
Briles expects Griffin to be successful next season in burgundy and gold.
“They did their homework, and they did an A+ because they got the right person,” he said.
NFL Network Mike Mayock turned to Snyder and said, “Congratulations, I’m happy for you guys.”
Ron Jaworski, an ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback himself, closed the door on any speculation that the Indianapolis Colts would take Griffin at No. 1 in the draft.
“The Colts see their quarterback as being the next Peyton Manning, and that’s Andrew Luck,” Jaworski said.
For Griffin, who has done so much to elevate the Baylor football program nationally, his Pro Day represented a bittersweet moment as he transitions to the next level.
“I’m pretty sure there will be tears having to leave Baylor and join another organization, but it’s been a lot of fun and I wouldn’t take it back,” he said.
Story and Photos By Khalil Garriott
Great article. Good quotes from Jaws and Mayock. Httr