The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
2010 Ed Block Courage Award Winner: Cedric Griffin
02.16.2011 | Football
Feb. 16, 2011
After suffering a significant knee injury in last January's NFC Championship Game, Griffin spent the offseason tirelessly working to return to the field at the start of the 2010 regular season. During his grueling recovery, Griffin embodied the spirit of the Ed Block Courage Award. His positive approach, goal-setting mentality and strong work ethic were examples of how attitude can help during the healing process.
Never discouraged throughout the months of rehab, Griffin served as a major support system to teammates who were also coming back from injury. His tireless effort was inspirational to the entire team and staff.
As a result of his effort, Griffin started against the Detroit Lions and the New York Jets during the third and fourth weeks of the 2010 regular season. He notched nine tackles and four passes defensed before suffering a season-ending injury in the Jets game. He was placed on Injured Reserve on Oct. 13, 2010, and has been diligently rehabbing for a return in 2011.
During his time at the University of Texas, Griffin played in 51 career games, including 44 starts, while compiling 275 tackles, three interceptions, 32 PBU, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He was named first-team All-Big 12 by the league's coaches and The Associated Press in 2005 when he started all 13 games and notched 86 tackles, 15 PBU and two forced fumbles. That season he recorded seven tackles and one forced fumble against Colorado in the Big 12 Championship and tallied eight tackles, including six solo tackles, in Texas' 41-38 victory over USC for the National Championship. Griffin also started all 13 games in 2004 and registered 68 tackles, three TFL, two INTs, six PBU, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Since joining the Vikings as a second-round pick (48th overall) in the 2006 draft, Griffin has played in 64 career games (67 including playoffs), including 56 starts. He has seven interceptions and ranks third in team history for forced fumbles as a defensive back with 10.
A conscientious member of the community, Griffin has participated in outreach programs at children's hospitals, elementary schools and the Salvation Army. In 2011, he will be hosting a youth football camp through his own Cedric Griffin Stand Up For Kids Foundation.
For more information on the Ed Block Courage Award Foundation, visit www.edblock.org.
