Oct. 16, 2014

Howard Griffith - RB 1987-1991

Griffith (@HowardGriffith) played for the Illini from 1987-90, helping the Illini to a share of the Big Ten title in 1990 and a 10-victory season in 1989. He became team captain and proceeded to break several records including, Jim Brown's 48-point game NCAA record and Harold "Red" Grange's school-record 33 touchdowns in a career. The highlight of his Illinois career came on Sept. 22, 1990, when he rushed for eight touchdowns in an Illini victory over Southern Illinois, setting NCAA records for most points scored (48) and rushing touchdowns (8) in a game, both records that still stand today. In 1990, as a senior, he rushed for a career-high 1,115 rushing yards to earn second-team All-Big Ten honors.

Griffith was drafted in the ninth round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Griffith bounced around the NFL with five different teams before he found his home with the Denver Broncos in 1997. Used primarily as a blocker for All-Pro tailback Terrell Davis, Griffith was used as a ball carrier and pass catcher out of the backfield. Griffith won back-to-back Super Bowl rings in 1997 and 1998, contributing largely in Super Bowl XXXVIII with two rushing TDs. As a Bronco, Griffith earned the nickname "The Human Plow" for his successful blocking for Terrell Davis. Griffith was the first fullback in NFL history to block for six different tailbacks.

Griffith retired from the NFL in 2002 after playing 11 seasons. He authored the book, "Laying it on the Line" documenting his career experiences, including his journey to the NFL. Today, Griffith is a lead in-studio analyst for the Big Ten Network. In 2011, he received Emmy Award for outstanding sports broadcast. He lives in Chicago with his wife Kim and two sons, Griffith II and Houston.