Born February 3, 1945, in Evansville, Indiana was Purdue University’s famed Quarterback, Bob Griese.
Bob Griese's football journey, from his collegiate dominance to his professional triumphs, cemented his place as one of the game's most respected quarterbacks. His blend of intelligence, poise, and skill defined an era of Miami Dolphins football and left an enduring legacy on the sport.
College Career
Bob Griese's college career at Purdue University was nothing short of spectacular.
According to the footballfoundation.org Bob started as a Sophomore for the Boilermakers and in the second game of that 1965 season he led Purdue in an upset of top ranked Notre Dame by the score of 25-21. In the win over the Irish Griese completed 19 of 22 passes, including 13 straight completions at one point. He was a consensus All-America selection in both 1965 and 1966. The National Football Foundation selected Bob Griese for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984.
He quarterbacked the Boilermakers to a Rose Bowl victory in 1967, defeating USC and solidifying his status as a national star. Griese's performance in that game, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns, showcased his exceptional talent and leadership. He earned All-American honors twice and was a Heisman Trophy runner-up in his senior year. Beyond the accolades, Griese demonstrated a remarkable understanding of the game, displaying a preternatural ability to read defenses and make smart decisions under pressure. His time at Purdue established him as one of the most coveted prospects in the country, setting the stage for his professional success.
-Road to the Pro Game
Griese was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 1967 AFL-NFL Common Draft. He quickly became the face of the franchise, leading the Dolphins to their first playoff appearance in 1970. Griese's arrival in Miami marked a turning point for the team, transforming them from a fledgling franchise into a perennial contender. He possessed a rare combination of physical tools and mental acuity, allowing him to excel in the professional ranks. His accuracy, arm strength, and ability to make quick reads made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Griese's leadership qualities were also evident, as he commanded respect in the huddle and inspired his teammates to perform at their best. The Dolphins' rise to prominence in the early 1970s was directly linked to Griese's exceptional play and his ability to elevate the entire team.
-Football Legacy
Bob Griese's legacy extends far beyond his individual achievements. He quarterbacked the Miami Dolphins to consecutive Super Bowl victories in 1972 and 1973, including the legendary undefeated season of 1972, a feat that remains unmatched in NFL history. Griese's role in that historic season solidified his place among the game's immortals. His calm demeanor and unflappable presence under pressure were instrumental to the Dolphins' success. While his individual statistics were impressive, it was his ability to lead and inspire that truly defined his career. Griese was a master of the mental aspects of the game, possessing an uncanny ability to anticipate plays and exploit defensive weaknesses. He retired in 1980, leaving a legacy of excellence and sportsmanship. Bob Griese was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990, a testament to his extraordinary career and lasting impact on the game.
His name remains synonymous with Miami Dolphins football, and his achievements continue to inspire quarterbacks and fans alike.
-Career history[/]b
Miami Dolphins (1967–1980)
[b]Career highlights and awards
-2× Super Bowl champion (VII, VIII)
-2× First-team All-Pro (1971, 1977)
-6× Pro Bowl (1970, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1978)
-NFL passing touchdowns leader (1977)
-NFL completion percentage leader (1978)
-2× AFL All-Star (1967, 1968)
-Jim Thorpe Trophy (1971)
-Bert Bell Award (1977)
-Miami Dolphins Honor Roll
-Miami Dolphins No. 12 retired
-Dolphins Walk of Fame (2011)
-Sammy Baugh Trophy (1966)
-Consensus All-American (1965)
-First-team All-American (1966)
-Chicago Tribune Silver Football (1966)
-2× First-team All-Big Ten (1965, 1966)
-Career NFL statistics
-Pass attempts: 3,429
-Pass completions: 1,926
-Completion percentage: 56.2
-Passing yards: 25,092
-TD–INT: 192–172
-Passer rating: 77.1
Stats at Pro Football Reference
Bob Griese. (2025, January 25). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Griese
