With the movie McFarland, USA set to hit theaters on Feb. 20, USA TODAY High School Sports is looking back at some of the top athletes to be part of the American Family Insurance ALL-USA track and field teams over the years. Based on a true story from 1987, McFarland, USA tells the story of coach Jim White, who took an unlikely group of athletes in a predominantly Latino small town in California and built a legacy of cross country runners.
ROBERT GRIFFIN III
Event: 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles
High school: Copperas Cove (Texas)
ALL-USA history: Rated the nation’s No. 3 dual-threat quarterback in high school, Griffin was named to the ALL-USA first team in 2007. He set state records in the 110-meter hurdles (13.55 seconds) and 300-meter hurdles (35.33 seconds) and earned Gatorade Texas Boys Track & Field Athlete of the Year honors.
After ALL-USA: Griffin went to Baylor a semester early in order to take part in spring football drills, but he also ran on the track team in 2008. He was the Big 12 outdoor champion in the 400 hurdles (49.22; third fastest in school history at the time) and was an NCAA All-American after finishing third in 49.46 seconds. He competed in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials and finished 11th overall with a time of 49.28. Griffin was fifth in his semifinal heat; the top four finishers advanced to the final. Of course, he’s most known for his exploits on the football field where he was a star quarterback and won the Heisman Trophy in 2011. Griffin declared for NFL Draft after his junior year and was the No. 2 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins.
Today: In a YouTube video posted in 2013, Griffin said he still has Olympic dreams. “I would definitely want to still fulfill my dream of still going to the Olympics,” Griffin said. “‘So, some way, somehow. Maybe it’s track. Maybe it’s badminton. Maybe it’s ping pong. I’ll find a way to get to the Olympics.” But for now, his focus is on football and helping the Redskins rebuild. During the second game of the 2014 season, Griffin dislocated his left ankle and missed six games. He was benched when he returned for Week 9, although he did play later in the season. The 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Griffin has been hampered by injuries since. He recently launched a charitable initiative, the Family of 3 Foundation, to help families and individuals in need through financial assistance or other means.
Robert Griffin III of Baylor runs during the 400 meter hurdles at the Michael Johnson Classic in 2008 (Photo: Baylor University)
Robert Griffin III is focused on playing in the NFL with the Washington Redskins. He has not run track since 2011 Photo: Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports