COLUMBUS, Ohio — Former Ohio State running back Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner, dotted the "i" during halftime of the Buckeyes season opener against Akron on Saturday.
The recognition is considered the greatest the Ohio State University Marching Band can extend to a nonmember. The invitation to be an honorary i-dotter has only been extended to a few individuals over the years.
“The opportunity, in Ohio Stadium, to dot the “i” is a very special honor,” said Griffin said last month when it was announced he would participate in the tradition. “I know that Woody was proud to have had that opportunity, and I am following in his footsteps and am extremely proud of this opportunity.”
Watch Archie Griffin dot the "i" in Script Ohio
During Griffin's collegiate career, he rushed for a school-record 5,589 yards on 924 carries and scored 26 rushing touchdowns. Griffin also has a pair of Silver Footballs, which are presented annually by the Chicago Tribune to the Big Ten's MVP.
“When you see someone outside of the band dotting the “i”, you know that it is extraordinary. That is how I look at it,” Griffin said. “It is a big-time tradition for our band, university, fans and everyone who knows Ohio State. To give someone who is not part of the band the opportunity, it must be something special.”
Previous honorary i-dotters include comedian Bob Hope (1978), Woody Hayes (1983), Jack Nicklaus (2006), Sen. John and Annie Glenn (2009) and Marching Band director emeritus Jon R. Woods (2011). The most recent was former football coach Earle Bruce who dotted the "i" in 2016.