Statue Unveiled at Ohio Stadium For Two-Time Heisman Trophy Winning Running Back Archie Griffin.

A moment decades in the making finally arrived in Columbus, Ohio, as Ohio State University unveiled a statue honoring its most iconic athlete—Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in college football history.

Set against the backdrop of Ohio Stadium, where Griffin first carved his legacy into college football folklore, the life-size bronze statue stands not just as a tribute to his achievements on the field, but as a monument to humility, leadership, and enduring Buckeye excellence.

Hundreds of fans, alumni, teammates, and university officials gathered near the north rotunda of the stadium—known to many as the “House that Archie Built”—to witness history. The unveiling ceremony featured heartfelt speeches, tearful recollections, and a thunderous ovation as the cloth was lifted to reveal Griffin in his signature No. 45 jersey, charging forward, football tucked tightly in his left arm, his eyes fixed downfield.

“I don’t even have the words,” Griffin said, visibly moved. “To be honored like this, at the place that means so much to me, with the people who’ve been part of my journey… it’s overwhelming. I never imagined anything like this.”

Born and raised in Columbus, Griffin became the embodiment of Ohio State football during the 1970s. From 1972 to 1975, he rewrote the record books, rushed for 5,589 career yards, and became the first—and still only—player in college football history to win back-to-back Heisman Trophies (1974 and 1975). He led the Buckeyes to four Big Ten championships and four Rose Bowl appearances, and was universally admired for his grace, work ethic, and leadership both on and off the field.

But if you ask Griffin, he’ll say his greatest pride comes not from yards or trophies—but from the teammates who made those runs possible.

“This statue isn’t just for me,” he said. “It’s for all the guys who blocked for me, fought beside me, bled with me. I never took a step alone.”

That humility was echoed by many who spoke during the ceremony. University President Ted Carter called Griffin “a symbol of everything Ohio State aspires to be—elite in competition, grounded in character, and unshakable in values.” Head football coach Ryan Day praised Griffin’s lifelong commitment to mentoring players and giving back through the university’s alumni association and charitable endeavors.

And former teammates? They spoke of a man who led by example, who shook every hand after practice, and who never once put himself above the team.

“Archie was the best of us,” said former offensive lineman Ted Smith. “You’d never know he was a superstar. He made you feel like you mattered—because to him, you did.”

The statue, commissioned by the university in partnership with private donors and the Department of Athletics, was sculpted by nationally renowned artist Brian Hanlon, known for his sports monuments across the country. Hanlon worked closely with the Griffin family and former players to ensure the sculpture captured not just Archie’s physical likeness, but the essence of his presence.

“I wanted it to show movement, focus, humility,” Hanlon said. “When you look at Archie’s eyes in this piece, you should feel the weight of legacy and the lightness of grace.”

Indeed, the statue feels alive—positioned in a slight lean, one foot off the ground, as if Griffin is about to break free from the past and race into the future. It now anchors a growing legacy plaza at Ohio Stadium that also features the names of Heisman winners, All-Americans, and coaching legends.

For many in attendance, including multiple generations of Buckeye fans, the statue serves as a bridge between eras—connecting the glory of Woody Hayes’ dominant teams of the ’70s to the present powerhouse Ohio State has become.

“My granddad took me to see Archie play,” said one fan, decked in a throwback jersey. “Now I can bring my kids to see him immortalized. He’s part of our family.”

Griffin, who went on to play in the NFL and later serve as President and CEO of the Ohio State Alumni Association, has remained a tireless ambassador for the university. His presence at games, booster events, and community initiatives has never wavered. To many Buckeyes, he is not just a former player—he is the soul of the program.

The timing of the statue’s unveiling—just ahead of the 2025 season—feels significant as well. In an age of NIL deals, coaching carousels, and realignment, Griffin’s story reminds fans and athletes alike of the power of loyalty, humility, and quiet greatness.

“He was never loud, never flashy,” said Coach Day. “But every time you needed a play, or a leader, or a role model—he was there. And he still is.”

Griffin closed the ceremony with a brief speech, thanking his family, his late coach Woody Hayes, and the countless fans who have supported him over the years. As he finished, he touched the base of the statue, looked up, and smiled.

“I never ran for statues,” he said. “I ran because I loved this game, I loved my teammates, and I loved this place. I still do.”

The crowd stood and applauded for several minutes, many holding back tears. A band played “Carmen Ohio.” Somewhere in the crowd, a small boy whispered, “That’s the greatest Buckeye ever.”

And no one disagreed.