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NFL: 30 of the biggest what-ifs in NFL history

By Hans Themistode

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts on the sidelines during the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts on the sidelines during the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Robert Griffin III
Robert Griffin III (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

NFL: 30 of the biggest what-ifs in NFL history: 15. Robert Griffin III stays healthy

It’s easy to point and laugh at Robert Griffin III now as he bounces from team to team but at one point, he kept opposing defensive coordinators up all night.

Drafted into the league with the second overall pick in 2012, Griffin was expected to play second fiddle to fellow draft mate, Andrew Luck. The previously mentioned Luck was the number one selection and received a ridiculous amount of praise and hype. Yet, it was Griffin who looked like not only the best player in the draft, but maybe one day, in the league.

During his first year, Griffin passed for 3,200 yards, 20 touchdowns, only five interceptions and rushed for 815 yards with seven additional touchdowns. He carried a fairly weak Washington Redskins team to an unexpected playoff berth but unfortunately for him, that’s where everything fell apart.

After taking big, after big hit from the Seattle Seahawks defensive line all game long, Griffin’s knee simply went out as he attempted to go after the ball late in the game. He was diagnosed with a torn ACL and was never the same.

For the past few seasons, Griffin has played on the Baltimore Ravens as the backup quarterback to Lamar Jackson. Interestingly enough, Griffin was a better version of Jackson several years ago. The juke moves and ridiculous speed netted Jackson the league MVP in 2018.

Essentially everything he can do, Griffin could do but, with one caveat. He could actually throw the ball. Imagine how scary he would’ve been if he didn’t get injured.

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