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Robert Griffin III to Join ESPN; Has an Out in Contract for NFL Opportunity
August 5, 2021
Free-agent quarterback Robert Griffin III has signed a broadcasting contract with ESPN.
The former Ravens and Washington Football team quarterback announced the news Thursday.
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported the deal includes an out clause if an NFL offer comes along for the 2021 season because Griffin "still wants to play."
The 31-year-old Baylor product won the 2011 Heisman Trophy with the Bears, was selected with the second overall pick in the 2012 draft by the Washington Football Team and earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors at the end of his debut campaign.
Griffin completed 65.6 percent of his throws for 3,200 yards with 20 touchdowns and just five interceptions across 15 appearances in 2012. He added 815 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground.
The dynamic dual-threat signal-caller suffered injuries to the ACL and LCL in his right knee late in his rookie season that required surgery, however, and he was never able to replicate his rookie success in six subsequent seasons with Washington, the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens.
He's compiled 23 passing touchdowns and 25 interceptions in 41 games (27 starts) since 2013.
In February, Griffin told Ryan Mink of the Ravens' official website he hoped to get another chance to start in the NFL, but he remained open to any role in 2021.
"I want to get back to getting an opportunity to compete and play every week," he said. "But whatever opportunity there is for me to compete as a starter or go somewhere, to solidify a backup spot, or help a young guy–whatever it is, I just want to keep playing. I just love this game so much."
Meanwhile, Griffin started to showcase his talent as a broadcaster during the offseason, including work on Bleacher Report's coverage of the 2021 NFL draft. He made headlines for a shot he took at former Washington teammate Kirk Cousins after the Minnesota Vikings' choice of fellow quarterback Kellen Mond:
Bleacher Report @BleacherReport“Kellen Mond represents exactly what he doesn’t do well. … Cousins has been collecting checks there in Minnesota for a long time.”<a href="https://twitter.com/RGIII?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RGiii</a> doesn't think Kirk will be happy with the pick 👀 <a href="https://twitter.com/brgridiron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@brgridiron</a><br><br>(<a href="https://twitter.com/RocketMortgage?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RocketMortgage</a>) <a href="https://t.co/IAyl97AFBl">pic.twitter.com/IAyl97AFBl</a>
It's possible RG3 could end up back on an NFL roster in the coming weeks depending on whether any significant quarterback injuries arise during the preseason that lead teams to seek veteran depth.
If not, he's already found a landing spot for the next stage of his football career as a television analyst.