Another former Longhorn in the countdown! Before being drafted in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Titans, safety Michael Griffin made a name for himself in college wearing that iconic Texas orange. He was All-Big 12 twice, once on the First-Team and once on the Second-Team.
As a junior in the 2005/06 season, Griffin was a big part of the Texas's National Championship season playing alongside future Titans' teammate Vince Young, he even had an interception in that legendary championship game.
What a time to be alive.
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In the 2006/07 season, Griffin's senior season, Griffin was named a Second-Team All-American.
As a pro with the Titans, safety Michael Griffin was maybe slightly underappreciated, mostly because the Titans sucked during the majority of Griffin's time with the team, 2007-2015.
I was still always a fan though, he was a silver lining during some dark times in Tennessee. He was always reliable in catching ball carriers as many teams often unfortunately easily carved up Titans defenses throughout those seasons.
I think I still have a Michael Griffin Titans jersey in one of these boxes inside my shabby apartment. Pretty sure my ex bought me that. Truly insane how time flies. Life was really different back when this man was a Titan.
The Titans mostly sucked while Griffin was a Titan, but there was some good times mixed in there. In three of his nine seasons with the team, the Titans made the playoffs twice and they had three winning records. Griffin also had a handful of individual accomplishments. He made the 2007 All-Rookie Team, was a 2x Pro Bowler and was a Second-Team All-Pro in 2010.
Griffin played in thirteen games with the Panthers in 2016 before retiring. He finished his career playing in 154 games and with 139 starts! He was pretty healthy throughout his career, starting all sixteen games five times and never appearing in less than fourteen games with the Titans.
Griffin had a career high 7 interceptions in 2008, and finished his career with 25. His other career totals include 1 pick-six, 60 passes defended, 11 forced fumbles, 6 fumble recoveries, 7 sacks and 813 tackles. He was just a really solid safety.
Wish the Titans had more success while Griffin was there, but I always enjoyed watching him play.
Here's a short, dominant Madden 23 game vs the Eagles!
Can't wait until REAL football begins.
