| No. 77, 76 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Defensive end | ||||||
| Personal information | |||||||
| Born | (1942-02-08)February 8, 1942 Lake Charles, Louisiana, U.S. | ||||||
| Died | February 22, 1995(1995-02-22) (aged 53) Lake Charles, Louisiana, U.S. | ||||||
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | ||||||
| Weight | 265 lb (120 kg) | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| High school | W. O. Boston(Lake Charles) | ||||||
| College | Grambling State | ||||||
| NFL draft | 1964: 15th round, 197th overall pick | ||||||
| Career history | |||||||
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* Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||
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James Bauman Griffin (February 8, 1942 – February 22, 1995) was an American professionalfootball player who was adefensive end for three seasons in theAmerican Football League (AFL). He also played one year in theCanadian Football League (CFL) and spent two seasons in minor leagues. He playedcollege football for theGrambling State Tigers
A graduate ofGrambling State, Griffin was chosen by theSan Francisco 49ers in the 15th round of the1964 NFL draft, but released in September of that year as the 49ers reduced their squad size to meet the league limit.[1] He spent the 1964 season with theJoliet Explorers of theUnited Football League, and 1965 with theToronto Argonauts of theCFL, appearing in three games for the latter.[2]
Griffin joined the AFL's San Diego Chargers in 1966, impressing head coachSid Gillman enough with his pass rushing ability to be named in the starting line-up for their Week 2 game with theBoston Patriots.[3] He appeared in every game throughout his two years in San Diego, starting 13 out of 28 games and being credited with threesacks.[4][a] In 1968, the newly-formedCincinnati Bengals selected Griffin after the Chargers made him available in theexpansion draft.[6] Griffin appeared in every game for the Bengals and started all but one.[4] In the season finale against the Jets, he scored his lone AFLtouchdown, knocking the ball out ofNew York Jets running backMatt Snell's hands and recovering it himself in the end zone.[7]
Griffin didn't play in the AFL again, as he was released by the Bengals shortly before the start of the 1969 season.[8] He spent a single season with theIndianapolis Capitols of theContinental Football League, winning the league title,[9] then retired.[2]
Griffin died on February 22, 1995, inLake Charles, Louisiana.[10]