Archie Griffin

Born at University Hospital nearly in the shadow of Ohio Stadium, Archie Griffin has been a Buckeye his whole life.

After serving for 11 years as president and CEO of The Ohio State University Alumni Association, Griffin stepped back in 2015 to a consultant role as senior advisor in the Office of Advancement at Ohio State. During his tenure leading the OSUAA, Griffin led an expanded effort to embrace young alumni and began initiatives focusing on career assistance and establishing an Office of Volunteer Relations.

Known to the world as the only two-time winner of the Heisman Trophy, Griffin is also one of a select group of Buckeyes to be named a three-time All American during his playing days from 1972-1975. A member of the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame and current board of directors, Griffin is a member of the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame and was named the All-Century Player by the Tournament of Roses Association during the centennial celebration of the Rose Bowl in 2014. Griffin is one of two players in NCAA history to start in four Rose Bowls.

Following his storied career at Ohio State, Griffin graduated from Ohio State in 1976 with a degree in industrial relations. He was a first-round draft choice of the Cincinnati Bengals, where he served as co-captain and played for seven seasons. He returned to Ohio State in 1984, and rose to become associate director of athletics for sports before taking the leadership position at the Ohio State University Alumni Association.

Playing under the legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes, Griffin learned the life lesson of paying forward in life, devoting countless hours to philanthropic causes. At Ohio State, Griffin created the Archie Griffin Scholarship Fund, which benefits Ohio State’s Olympic sports programs. In the central Ohio community, The Archie and Bonita Griffin Foundation Fund helps develop sports, educational, and travel programs for youth as they inspire the next generation to dream big. Griffin has three children: Anthony, Andre, and Adam as well as three grandchildren. Griffin and his spouse, Bonita, split their time between a home in Westerville, Ohio and another home in Florida.

Locally, Griffin has been inducted into the Ohio High School Athletic Association Circle of Champions, which recognizes former high school student athletes who have demonstrated outstanding character and accomplishments on and off the field. He was inducted to the National Federation of State High School Association Hall of Fame in 1996. He was also honored in May 2015 to be the commencement speaker during spring graduation ceremonies at Ohio State. Griffin was recently selected as the No. 4 all-time player in college football history by ESPN.

Legendary Ohio State football coach Wayne Woodrow Hayes famously said of Griffin, “He’s a better young man than he is a football player, and he’s the best football player I’ve ever seen.”

A sought-after speaker and humanitarian, Griffin serves on many boards and foundations. He is a former Director of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Mr. Griffin serves as a Director of Encova Insurance Company, Member of the board of directors for The Columbus Youth Foundation, and a member of the Board of Directors for AAA Club Alliance.