Many of the greatest college football players of all-time have competed in the Rose Bowl Game at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium. Soon, one of those players will be permanently honored at the venue.
On Thursday, the Rose Bowl announced that it will be erecting a statue to honor former Ohio State Buckeyes running back and two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin. The Buckeyes legend is one of only two players in history to compete in the game four times, including a win in the 1974 Rose Bowl.
The statue is slated to be unveiled in August as part of a new Legends Walk to honor other Heisman Trophy winners who have played in the game.
In a statement, Griffin said he was “humbled” to be honored in that way. He said that the statue doesn’t just honor him, but the four teams that he played with at Ohio State.
“I am humbled to have a statue in my honor at the Rose Bowl Stadium, one of the most prestigious stadiums in America,” Griffin said. “I feel blessed to have played in four Rose Bowl Games. But 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. 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.”
Archie Griffin’s legacy will be forever celebrated at the Rose Bowl stadium. ⭕️🙌 Archie Griffin is college football’s only two-time Heisman Trophy winner and one of only two players ever to have started in four consecutive Rose Bowl Games. 👏https://t.co/fkVa2DWRPI
— Ohio State (@OhioState) February 8, 2024
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Archie Griffin rushed for 5,589 yards and 26 touchdowns in his four seasons at Ohio State. He is the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in history, claiming the iconic award in 1974 and 1975.
Even after nearly 50 years since his final game, he remains Ohio State’s all-time leading rusher.
A well-deserved honor.