In the predawn darkness of a typical morning, Robert Griffin III rises at 4 AM. While most are still sleeping, he’s already heading to work out—not because he has to, but because he wants to. It’s part of a deliberate choice to live what he calls a "healthy lifestyle," one that allows him to be present for his four daughters and his wife, Grete, an accomplished athlete in her own right. A former Florida State track star, Grete holds the school’s heptathlon record and boasts an impressive collection of accolades.
The discipline that drives Griffin's early morning routine is the same force that propelled him to extraordinary heights early in his career. At Baylor University, Griffin dazzled the college football world with his electrifying dual-threat capabilities, culminating in winning the 2011 Heisman Trophy. His remarkable college career, where he threw for 10,366 yards and 78 touchdowns while rushing for 2,254 yards and 33 more scores, made him one of the most highly anticipated NFL prospects in recent memory.
The Washington Redskins traded three first-round picks and a second-round pick to move up and select Griffin second overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. He immediately justified that investment with a spectacular rookie season, leading Washington to their first NFC East title since 1999. His rookie campaign was nothing short of magical - he threw for 3,200 yards with 20 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions while rushing for 815 yards and 7 touchdowns. These remarkable achievements earned him NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and a Pro Bowl selection, suggesting the start of what many believed would be a legendary career.
But fate had other plans. In the 2013 NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks, Griffin's promising trajectory took a devastating turn. Already playing on an injured knee from a regular season game against the Baltimore Ravens, Griffin's knee buckled on FedEx Field's notorious turf. Despite showing visible distress earlier in the game, he remained on the field until the fourth quarter when his right knee finally gave out completely. The resulting injury was severe - a torn ACL, LCL, and meniscus that would require extensive reconstruction and rehabilitation. This moment would prove to be a turning point in his career, affecting both his dynamic playing style and his future in Washington.
By 2017, Griffin found himself without a team for the first time since being drafted. The transition wasn't easy for someone who had experienced such meteoric success early in his career. This crossroads would define his future and test his resilience in ways he never imagined.
"When you find yourself in a situation that you weren't expecting, it brings into question everything that you've ever done," Griffin reflects. During that year, he received calls from teams, including the Los Angeles Chargers, where he had what he describes as a "great" workout. But within 24 hours, they traded for Cardale Jones from the Buffalo Bills instead. Later, the Baltimore Ravens called with an opportunity to start their third preseason game. But without proper preparation time and training camp experience, he knew it could be career suicide. Instead of jumping at the first opportunity, he chose patience and preparation.
RG3 discusses the adversity of 2017:
One particular workout session stands out in his memory. On a Miami track, Griffin was completing a grueling ten-hurdle buildup drill—a workout his father had introduced him to, and one that few athletes finish. "You run one hurdle, you come back, you go run two hurdles," he explains. "By the time you get through five hurdles, you've run through 200 meters, but you do that all the way to ten." Laying on the ground afterward, barely able to breathe, his legs cramping, his wife picked up his legs and started shaking them out. She asked him a simple but profound question: "Why are you putting yourself through this? You're not playing right now, no team is calling you, it's past the middle of the season."
When he finally caught his breath, Griffin’s answer revealed everything about his character: "I don't want to be the reason that I'm not ready." That year of uncertainty taught him about himself and his love for football. It wasn't just about playing—it was about preparation, dedication, and self-belief. "When all the chips are down, all the odds are against you, what do you do next?" he asks. For Griffin, the answer was clear: keep preparing, keep pushing forward.
This mindset would serve him well when the Ravens called again in 2018, offering a contract barely above league minimum with no guarantees. Where others might have balked at the terms, Griffin saw an opportunity. Training in Orlando with coach Brooks Johnson at the time, he initially hesitated at the modest offer. But his coach's wisdom proved decisive: "If you're going to bet on anybody, you should bet on yourself." Griffin took the deal, setting the stage for the next phase of his career.
Today, Griffin has transformed that same determined spirit into a successful media career. His television journey began at ESPN, where he quickly established himself as one of sports media’s most insightful and compelling voices. Starting with college football game broadcasts, Griffin’s natural charisma and deep football knowledge soon earned him bigger opportunities. His analysis stood out for its combination of technical understanding and accessibility—he could break down complex quarterback progressions and defensive schemes in ways that both casual fans and football experts appreciated.
He became a regular presence on shows like "Monday Night Countdown," "NFL Live," and "SportsCenter," earning praise as one of ESPN's top football analysts. What set Griffin apart was his ability to provide nuanced perspectives drawn from his playing experience without relying on traditional "hot takes." Whether analyzing Patrick Mahomes' improvisational skills or breaking down defensive coverages, his commentary was consistently thoughtful and substantive. His unique approach—celebrating athletes' achievements while offering constructive criticism—made him a refreshing voice in sports media.
During his time at ESPN, Griffin was particularly praised for his college football coverage, where he combined his quarterback expertise with a genuine enthusiasm for the college game. His ability to explain the mental aspects of quarterback play, from pre-snap reads to split-second decision-making, gave viewers unprecedented insight into the position.
After building a strong foundation at ESPN and establishing himself as one of football's premier analysts, Griffin embarked on new ventures in 2024. His magnetic personality and insightful analysis have led to multiple successful projects, including his latest podcast "Outta Pocket with RG3," where he brings his unique perspective and entertaining style to the world of sports commentary. The show, which launched in early 2024, features Griffin's signature blend of in-depth analysis and playful commentary, offering fans an unfiltered look at sports through his eyes.
As the host of "Outta Pocket" along with his wife, they’re creating a platform that go beyond typical sports talk.
His approach to interviewing reflects the lessons learned during his playing career. "We want to tell every side of it," Griffin says, drawing from his unique perspective of having experienced both the highs of being a star quarterback and the challenges of being a backup. This range of experiences has given him a more nuanced view of the sport and its players. He's particularly proud of his ability to connect with guests like Cam Newton, helping them open up and share their authentic selves.
His shows’ ambitions extend far beyond football. "Outta Pocket" allows Griffin to react to the daily drama and excitement of sports with his characteristic wit and wisdom. His bucket list of future guests includes figures like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Kevin Hart, and even global soccer stars like Lionel Messi and Ronaldo. "It's not limited to just U.S. voices and names, it's global," he emphasizes, highlighting his vision for expanding his media footprint.
At home, Griffin and his wife maintain a structured yet balanced lifestyle. Six days a week, they eat clean and stay disciplined. But on the seventh day, they indulge—"Cinnamon Toast Crunch, cheeseburgers, pizza, candy, whatever you want it to be," he says with a laugh. In the evenings, they decompress like any other couple, watching Netflix shows together. Griffin, a fan of medieval epics like Game of Thrones, and Grete, who enjoys Emily in Paris and Friends, make time for simple moments of connection.
The couple takes a hands-on approach to parenting their four daughters, choosing not to employ nannies despite their busy schedules. "We like to raise our kids," Griffin explains. "We want them to come to us, not to go to anybody else." It's this commitment to family that drives his early morning workouts—by exercising at 4 AM, he creates space in his schedule to attend his daughters' recitals and taekwondo practice.
Looking ahead, Griffin hopes his legacy will be measured not just in athletic achievements or media success, but in the example he sets for his daughters. "I want all our daughters to look back and say, 'My husband treats me right because I know what it looks like to be loved the right way because my dad loved my mom the right way.'" This focus on family extends even to bedtime routines, where Griffin has read "Llama Llama Red Pajama" so many times that he jokes about wearing an alpaca hat during a cold broadcast as a tribute to the book's main character's "cousin."
His advice for others seeking to make an impact is straightforward: "Don't create a character, be yourself." In a world that often encourages people to craft personas, Griffin advocates for authenticity. "It's way easier to be that person every single day. It's way better for your mental health, because you don't look in the mirror and know that you're being fake." He encourages people to invest in their dreams, arguing that the only regret worse than failure is never trying at all.
From early morning workouts to late-night Netflix sessions with his wife, from the broadcast booth to his podcast studio, Griffin has found his path—one that allows him to be both a dedicated family man and a respected voice in sports media. His journey from star quarterback to trusted analyst proves that sometimes the most important play isn't the one you make on the field, but the one you make when deciding who you want to be. As he continues to build his media presence, his focus remains clear: celebrate sports, seek truth, and help others become "ones" in their own right.