If you think Tim Tebow isn’t thinking about winning a second straight Heisman Trophy this summer, think again. Because if he’s anything like Archie Griffin, the only man to win two Heismans, one trophy won’t suffice. After becoming the first underclassman in history to win the most prestigious award in college athletics, Tebow is considered by many to be the frontrunner to win the award again this fall. And Griffin, who won two straight trophies in 1974 and ‘75, has an idea of what’s going through the Florida quarterback’s mind as he prepares for the 2008 season. “Deep down in my heart, after winning it my junior year, I wanted to win it (again),” Griffin said. So can Tebow match Griffin? Easier said than done. Historic and Griffin became synonymous with each other in 1975 after the great Ohio State running back pulled off a feat no one had accomplished to that point and no one has since matched in the 73 year history of the Heisman. Already a member of one of sports' most exclusive clubs after his stellar junior season won him the 1974 Trophy, Griffin carved out his own club within a club a year later. He didn’t want anyone winning his trophy. “I put a lot of pressure on myself,” Griffin said. “I don’t believe that the pressure was put on by other people. I wanted to win it after winning my junior year because Woody (Hayes) always used to tell us that you’re either getting better or getting worse, you’re never at the same level.” The gruff and sometimes brash former Ohio State coach had a profound influence on Griffin’s career and was quick to give his star running back some much needed advice during the 1974 off-season. With requests inundating the Ohio State sports information department for appearances by Griffin all over the football crazy state of Ohio and the rest of the country, the demand on his time was daunting. “Life changed because I became Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin as opposed to Archie Griffin,” Griffin said. “There was a lot of demand for me to do things, be places, those type of requests, and I tried to do a lot because you want to make folks happy.”
Source: NCAA.com