Running back Archie Griffin will be named the 2026 Person of the Year by the Agonis Club of Columbus. The Ohio State legend receives the honor on August 19. This award recognizes Griffin for his career success and his character traits of leadership, kindness, and humility.

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, at 5:30 p.m. at the Villa Milano in Columbus, continuing a 58-year-old tradition since 1968.

Last year in August, Ohio State built him a statue. This was erected right outside the north rotunda entrance to Ohio Stadium. The ceremony came as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of Griffin's first Heisman Trophy win in 1974.

Furthermore, Griffin also dotted the "I" in Script Ohio for the 2024 season opener vs. Akron. Along with this, it was also announced that Tuttle Park Place on the east side of Ohio Stadium will get a new ceremonial name of Archie Griffin Drive moving forward.

Griffin retired in 1985 after nine seasons of pro football due to an Achilles injury. He became the first person to have his jersey No. 45 retired by Ohio State.

Griffin remains one of the most decorated players in college football history.

Archie Griffin's Legendary Career At A Glance

Archie Griffin spent four years at Ohio State, 1972-1975. Within these four years, he became a legend. His freshman year saw him set the school single-game rushing record with 239 yards in a win over North Carolina.

He kept this up throughout his four years at Ohio State. As a sophomore, he rushed for 867 yards as a freshman and 1577 yards as a sophomore. Following which, he notched up 1,695 as a junior and 1,450 as a senior.

He set an NCAA record with his rushing for 5,589 yards on 924 carries in his four seasons with the Buckeyes. He had 6,559 all-purpose yards and scored 26 touchdowns. It was because of him that the Buckeyes soared with a record of 40-5-1. Winning and sharing four Big Ten championships.

Apart from Brian Cushing, he is one of two players in collegiate football history to start four Rose Bowl games. He has also been a two-time unanimous All-American, a two-time Walter Camp Award winner, and won the Maxwell Award.

In 2013, Griffin was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame. Ohio State had already enshrined him in its own Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1981.

Later on, he also served 20 years in the athletic department. He retired in 2015. Griffin established a standard of excellence that remains a cornerstone of the Ohio State program.

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Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Rudra Dubey