PASADENA, Calif. — The statue of former Buckeye Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in college football, was unveiled at America’s Stadium this weekend.
The unveiling happened on Saturday in Pasadena with Griffin’s family, friends and teammates celebrating the monumental event.
“Today we celebrated the statue dedication of college football’s only two-time Heisman Trophy winner, Archie Griffin alongside the Griffin family, friends, teammates and the local community! It is a true honor to forever recognize Archie Griffin and all of his achievements on the grounds of America’s Stadium,” a Facebook post from the stadium read.
Griffin’s statue marks the fifth to be placed on the stadium’s property to represent key moments and people in the venue’s history. Others honored include Jackie Robinson, the 1999 Team USA FIFA Women’s World Cup Champions, iconic broadcaster Keith Jackson and legendary UCLA head coach and all-time wins leader Terry Donahue.
A Legacy Walk was also created adjacent to the unveiled statue. It highlights the 19 Heisman Trophy winners who have played in the Rose Bowl Game.
When a statue in Griffin’s honor was announced in February, he said he was humbled.
“… Please know that when you honor me with this recognition, you also honor the teams that I played on during my four years at The Ohio State University,” Griffin said. “I was simply in the right place, at the right time, with the right people. That’s what allowed me to enjoy the success that my teammates and I experienced. Again, I am extremely grateful to be honored in this manner.”
Ohio State’s athletic department will also receive a full-size replica of the statue. Athletics director Ross Bjork said it will be unveiled on Aug. 30.
Griffin was born and raised in Columbus. He signed with Ohio State after he graduated from Eastmoor High and led the Buckeyes to a 40-5-1 record and four Big Ten titles between 1972 and 1975.
He then started in four consecutive Rose Bowls — the only player to do so at the time. He was also a three-time first-team All-American and won two Heisman trophies, one in 1974 and the other in 1975.
After college graduation, Griffin was a first-round draft choice of the Cincinnati Bengals. He played eight years of professional football, before returning to Columbus and joining the staff at Ohio State.
Griffin will dot the "i" in Script Ohio on Aug. 31 during the halftime of the Ohio State vs. Akron game. Griffin is being recognized for his service to the university and his longtime support of The Ohio State University Marching Band.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m.