Former second overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, quarterback Robert Griffin III, returned to the NFL after missing out the 2017 and signed a deal with the Baltimore Ravens in April. Now, Griffin played his first NFL game in 19 months on Thursday against the Chicago Bears in the Hall of Fame game.
After the game, the 28-year-old was overjoyed to be back in the league and said that the game against the Bears was “an emotional day” for him.
“People don’t understand that once you’re out of the league for a year, it’s really hard to get back in, especially if you’re a quarterback and a high draft pick. It’s just really hard to do,” – said Griffin. “[Thursday] was an emotional day for me, just coming back out here. I know it’s the preseason, it’s the Hall of Fame game, but to have an opportunity to come back out here and play football is something that I really cherish.”
With Ravens starting QB Joe Flaco not being active on the roster for the matchup against the Bears, Robert Griffin III started the game and completed 7 of 11 passes for 58 yards while having one touchdown and two interceptions. The interceptions weren’t exactly his fault since his receivers couldn’t hold on to the ball on both occasions.
This was a good start of his career with the Ravens for Griffin, but his stay in Baltimore is everything but sure. Ravens currently have three QBs on the roster, something that didn’t happen since 2009, so Griffin will have to work hard to keep his place.
After being taken second overall by the Washington Redskins, Robert Griffin III went on to have a fantastic rookie season. He was selected to Pro Bowl and earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year while leading Redskins to the playoffs. Unfortunately, injuries have derailed his career, causing the Redskins to move him to back up an eventually release him. Griffin then signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2016, but after a string of poor performances, he was released by the Browns as well.
