Football / 1987-90

Howard Griffith’s career as a Fighting Illini running back will always be highlighted by his NCAA record-setting performance against Southern Illinois in 1990 when he rushed for eight touchdowns in a 56-21 Illinois victory. After helping Illinois to a share of the 1990 Big Ten title, he would go on to enjoy an 11-year NFL career capped by winning two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos. Griffith earned the nickname “the Human Plow” due to his strong blocking ability in front of Terrell Davis with the Broncos. He made a major contribution to Denver's win in Super Bowl XXXIII when he scored two rushing touchdowns. Griffith's NCAA records of 48 points and eight touchdowns have only been tied once since that historic performance in 1990. Griffith earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors in 1990, and he finished his collegiate career by rushing for 2,485 yards at Illinois. He finished his career with a UI-record 31 rushing touchdowns. Griffith has worked as an analyst and studio host for the Big Ten Network since the inception of the network in 2007.