In the annals of NFL history, there are few tales as bittersweet as that of the man known to fans simply as RG3.
While the Baylor Bears struggled during three of his four seasons on campus, Robert Griffin III would start his journey to becoming a household name during his four years on campus, especially during his senior season when he captured the Heisman Trophy. Drafted second overall in 2012 by the Washington (then Redskins) Commanders, Griffin’s blend of athleticism, creativity, precision passing and pure enjoyment of life had him set on the path for what could have been a storied career.
Unfortunately, all of that would change on December 9, 2012, when the star rookie QB suffered a career-derailing knee injury. But what if the damaged ACL and LCL never occurred? What if the player who was Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson all rolled into one never got injured?
Hailed as an athletic prodigy since an early age, Griffin dazzled the NFL during his rookie season, claiming the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Squaring off against fellow rookie QB Russell Wilson in the NFC Wild Card Game, Griffin piloted his squad to an early 14-0 lead, one that would be squandered in the next three quarters due to injury.
However in this alternate universe, rather than going scoreless in the final three quarters, Washington, under the guidance of Griffin would continue their offensive onslaught en route to a meeting with the Atlanta Falcons in the Divisional Playoffs. Playing off of their young leader, Washington would outlast the home team for a trip to the NFC Championship. Although their journey to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and Super Bowl XLVII would be cut short, Washington and Griffin would become a force to reckon with in the NFC East for years to come.
His connection with Pierre Garcon would lead Griffin and his favored wide receiver to become one of the most iconic tandems in NFL history. Rather than being stuck in mediocrity of only reaching the Wild Card game twice over the span of what would be Griffin’s eight-year career, Washington would become a force to be reckoned with in the NFC East.
Behind the arm, and legs of RG3’s ability to sling and run the ball, Washington would likely secure multiple division titles and their sixth Super Bowl championship.
While all of this is not to say that Griffin would remain unscathed by injury, but certainly not ones that would derail his career. Griffin’s journey from being a rookie sensation to a perennial superstar symbolized what the league was looking for in their next wave of elite quarterbacks, changing the way that teams evaluated players and how quarterbacks were coached.
In this alternate universe, Griffin’s name would be found beside many NFL records. But RG3’s impact on the game wouldn’t be limited to just the 100-yard gridiron as his charisma, dedication, and success would transcend the world of NFL marketing. Add in his philanthropic endeavors and involvement with the Washington community, Griffin would have left an enduring legacy in the nation's capital, one worthy of a spot in the NFL Hall of Fame.
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