Archie Griffin Named to TIME 100 List of Most Influential Sports Legends
Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in college football history, has once again etched his name in history—this time beyond the football field. TIME Magazine has honored the Ohio State legend by naming him one of the 100 Most Influential Sports Legends, celebrating his impact not only on the game but on generations of fans and athletes alike.
Griffin’s inclusion in this prestigious list is a nod to more than just his historic accomplishments on the gridiron. It’s about his legacy, leadership, and lifelong commitment to excellence both during and after his playing career. From his breakout days as a Buckeye to his role as an ambassador for college athletics and youth mentorship, Griffin has exemplified the true spirit of a sports icon.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Griffin burst onto the national scene in the 1970s with his dynamic play and relentless drive. Winning back-to-back Heismans in 1974 and 1975, he became a household name and a symbol of Ohio State’s football dominance. But it’s what he did afterward—serving in leadership roles, supporting education initiatives, and inspiring countless young athletes—that truly elevated his influence.
The TIME 100 honor places Griffin among other sports greats who have transcended their disciplines to shape culture and inspire change. In a statement, TIME editors praised Griffin’s “enduring influence on American sports values—hard work, humility, and heart.”
For Ohio State fans, this recognition is long overdue. For the rest of the sports world, it’s a powerful reminder that greatness isn’t measured just by trophies, but by the lives touched along the way.
Archie Griffin didn’t just run into history—he carried it forward. And now, TIME has made sure the world remembers it.
