A legend’s courage off the field

The man who defined an era

To understand the magnitude of this moment, one must first understand what Archie Griffin means to college football — and to the state of Ohio.

A Columbus native, Griffin rose from modest beginnings to become the face of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 1970s, leading the team under legendary coach Woody Hayes. He remains the only player in NCAA history to win the Heisman Trophy twice, in 1974 and 1975 — an achievement that still stands unmatched nearly five decades later.

The Buckeye community rallies

The meaning of legacy

For many, Griffin’s health announcement feels deeply personal. Generations of Buckeye fans grew up idolizing him not just for his accomplishments on the field, but for the way he carried himself after retirement.

After hanging up his cleats, Griffin continued to serve Ohio State as the President and CEO of the Ohio State Alumni Association for over a decade, mentoring student-athletes and supporting community initiatives. His philanthropic work, particularly in education and youth development, earned him national recognition and multiple humanitarian awards.

Faith, family, and resilience

Tributes pour in from across the nation

As the news continues to ripple through the sports world, tributes from fans, former teammates, and public figures continue to flood in.

NFL legend Eddie George, who followed in Griffin’s footsteps at Ohio State, posted:

More than a football player

Hope and unity in adversity

As Buckeye Nation rallies behind its most cherished son, the collective spirit of Ohio State shines through. Fans have organized candlelight vigils outside Ohio Stadium and plan to hold a “Scarlet & Gray Day of Prayer” this weekend in support of Griffin and his family.

Local businesses have even begun displaying signs reading “Archie Strong”, while the university’s marching band announced it will dedicate its next halftime performance to the legendary No. 45.

A final word from a legend