‘I feel like I could help the team’
RG3 is waiting for another chance, whether it’s in Houston or elsewhere
Injuries and ineptness keep the revolving door for NFL quarterbacks spinning out of control on an almost 24-hour basis.
The Texans are a prime example. When Deshaun Watson was lost for the season and Tom Savage was promoted, they signed three veterans — T.J. Yates, Matt McGloin and Josh Johnson.
Only Yates and Johnson remain behind Savage.
Robert Griffin III is a quarterback who would like to get his foot in that revolving door again, but a team has to give him a chance.
If the Texans are in the market to sign another quarterback, all they have to do is give him a call, and Griffin will answer on the first ring.
“Deshaun’s an incredible player with a really bright future,” Griffin said this week. “I feel like I could help him after my experiences with Washington and Cleveland.
“I feel like I could help the team. I know a lot of their guys. I think I can do a lot of things they’ve been doing offensively. Texas is home, and I’ve always got a soft spot in my heart for Texas.”
Griffin, still only 27, has been waiting patiently since being released by the Browns in March. He’s been working out on a daily basis in South Florida, where he resides. He’s doing everything physically and mentally, including working out with longtime offensive coach Pep Hamilton in the offseason.
“I’m training and making sure I stay sharp,” he said. “I’m not only staying
in shape, but I’m working to get better in the film room, too.
“When my number’s called, I’ll be ready.”
Griffin — RG3 — won the Heisman Trophy in 2011 at Baylor and was voted NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year with Washington in 2012. As a rookie, he led Washington from worst to first in the NFC East before blowing out two ligaments in his knee during a playoff game.
After battling injuries through his career, Griffin said he feels better than ever and is convinced a team will give him an opportunity.
“I definitely believe it,” he said. “That’s what you work for. You work to get that opportunity so you can put your best foot forward, and when that time comes, I’ll be ready to roll.”
Since being released by Washington after the 2015 season, when he spent time playing safety for the scout team and running routes for the quarterbacks, Griffin has avoided the limelight.
During last year’s offseason before he signed with Cleveland, Griffin came to Houston to train but politely declined interviews to concentrate on being prepared for his next chance, which turned out to be the Browns.
“I’ve been low key on purpose,” he said. “The point was to keep my head in the books and to focus on getting better.
“In 2015, when I was inactive the entire (season), I was able to show growth and maturity. I’ve learned a lot from what happened in Washington. That experience helped me 100 percent.”
Griffin doesn’t sound bitter about not playing with a team for the first time since he was a kid. He’s in a good place spiritually and emotionally.
“I think in order to move forward in life and truly understand why something happened or why you’re in the situation you’re in, you have to be able to reflect and take ownership of what went wrong and what you did wrong,” he said. “I’ve learned you try to control what you can control. I can’t worry about what opportunity someone else is getting.
“I feel like the people who don’t quit are the ones that can find success, so I’m not going to quit.”
When quarterbacks go down, the cry for Colin Kaepernick reverberates around the country, but his phone has been silent while teams get so desperate they’ll reach out to a has-been or a never-was.
Griffin said he understands why there’s so much cheerleading for Kaepernick when a team needs a quarterback.
“Heck, I’m cheerleading for Kap, too, because of the stance he took and what he’s representing,” said Griffin, who grew up in a military family. “I understand why it’s a hot-button issue. I think he’s become a martyr for social injustice and some of the things going on in this country and around the world.
“A quarterback goes down, and he’s the first one mentioned? I sure don’t take that personally.”
And Griffin has never considered that his career may be over — not at 27, not with the injuries he’s overcome and the hard work he’s put in. He’s keeping the faith that a team will give him a chance to prove he can still play, that he’s learned valuable lessons and is willing to take on any role.
“I’m in shape physically and mentally,” Griffin said, “and I’m ready to hit the ground Sunday if anybody needs me.”