‘Unbelievably believable’: Baylor’s Robert Griffin III wins 2011 Heisman Trophy

December 13, 2011 // Posted In Athletics, Honors, Photo Galleries, Videos

“Unbelievably believable.” That’s how Baylor junior Robert Griffin III described the moment Saturday night when he was announced as the winner of the 77th Heisman Memorial Trophy. Yes, the best player in college football — and the recipient of the most recognized award in college sports — is a Baylor Bear.

“Baylor we are, and Baylor we’ll always be,” he continued. “But it’s up to us to define what that means, and this Heisman Trophy is only the beginning of that process. To Baylor Nation, I say this as a ‘forever’ kind of moment; may we be blessed enough to have many more like it in the future.”

This is indeed a “forever” moment — a proud, proud experience for the Baylor family. Millions of people who did not previously know the Baylor name now do because of this accomplishment — and in Robert Griffin’s excellence, humility and class, they have seen what Baylor is all about.

[See student/fan reaction to the announcement: Main SUB lounge || SUB food court || Barfield Drawing Room]

We’re barely halfway through the school year, but this has already been one for the books for Baylor athletics. Nine wins and a No. 12 ranking for football (plus the chance for a school-record 10th win in the Alamo Bowl). A No. 1-ranked women’s basketball team, with the men also ranked in the top 10. Soccer and volleyball each made the NCAA tournament this fall. And of course, there’s that new football stadium on the way.

[Heisman/Alamo Bowl gear: Baylor Bookstore || BaylorBears.com || Alamo Bowl tickets]

Soak it up, Baylor Nation. We are truly living in a (green and) golden age for BU sports, and these performances are advancing the Baylor name like never before.

Want to show your appreciation for Griffin? He’ll be recognized at halftime of the Baylor men’s basketball game Wednesday; in honor of RG3, tickets are just $3, or bring a toy for Toys for Tots and get in free.

Sic ’em, RG3 and Baylor fans everywhere!

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If you’re like me, then you can’t get enough RG3 right now — so here’s the best of what I’ve found online in the past few days:

STORIES: ESPN: “Best of Baylor” || SI: “Griffin’s Heisman Trophy win helps to transform long-suffering Baylor” || Grantland: “Robert Griffin III: Heisman Winner?” || CBS Sports: “RG3 selection good for college football” || Yahoo!: “RG3 rocks Superman socks” || Screen captures from various websites announcing RG3’s win || Lariat special edition (PDF)

VIDEO: RG3 talks about his NYC visit || Students reactions throughout the ceremony || Chris Fowler ESPN interview post-announcement || John Morris talks to RG3 post-ceremony || Fowler & Kirk Herbstreit sum up BU’s historic night || ESPN Radio interview (audio) || CBS’ NFL Today || NPR on what RG3’s win means for college football (audio) || CBS’ Early Show || Dan Patrick Show || RG3 does Letterman’s Top 10