Robert Griffin III: Maturity of Redskins QB Will Help Him Meet High Expectations

Robert Griffin III will meet the incredibly high expectations fans have for him.

He will do so because he has the maturity and poise—along with the requisite skills—to overcome the pitfalls that many young athletes find themselves involved in when they suddenly come into the possession of millions of dollars.

His legacy doesn't start with him. His grandfather—the first Robert Griffin—was a man who loved to help his community. 

ESPN reports that RG3's grandfather—a construction foreman—used to buy groceries for needy families and loved building houses because he felt that he was helping to build families as a result.

He was even more adamant about his own son's future, though, and made sure to instill discipline and honor into Griffin Jr.

It's well documented that Griffin III's father took those lessons to heart, joining the military for a life of service, discipline and plenty of travel.

Griffin III learned to become a disciplined young man from his own father, and schoolwork, sports and family life were the main focus during his young years.

As an adult, RG3 has spent more time helping out charities than most young men his age.

He is a regular contributor for the group Friends for Life, a charity that "helps the elderly and people with disabilities live independently as long as possible, protects and cares for those who are unable to care for themselves and brings generations together to enrich lives."

Friends for Life did a feature on Griffin III, a video you can watch here.

He had to grow up quicker than most, too. 

On the morning of his 13th birthday Griffin Jr. was sent to Iraq to serve in the war efforts, leaving RG3 to be the man of the house. 

His instructions from his father, per ESPN: "You the man now. You're going to have to take care of your sisters and your mom. I do not want them watching CNN all the time, worrying about me. Daddy's going to be okay."

That's rough. 

But Griffin III and his family have come through the ordeal with flying colors. His father survived the war and came back to a young man who had done as he asked—maturity beyond his years allowed the 13-year old RG3 to lead his family through tough times.

Now he faces another tall task. He is being asked to be the savior of a franchise that's been floundering for the better part of a decade.

No sweat.

Griffin clearly has the physical tools to become an elite quarterback in the NFL. He has a stronger arm than Ryan Tannehill, he's faster than Cam Newton and he is more accurate Andrew Luck.

Physical abilities aren't the only thing that matters in this league, though, and Griffin III possesses the other intangibles to succeed.

Follow @JesseReed78