Robert Griffin III is closing in on another chance as an NFL starter. Cleveland Browns coach Hue Jackson is reportedly close to naming either RG3 or Josh McCown the starting quarterback for the year.
Judging by the words of the coach, Griffin has a stronghold on the position.
“You have to lead,” Jackson said, via Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland.com. “I said a long time ago, that position’s got to wear a lot of different hats. It’s not just throwing the ball straight. Obviously that’s a real important quality a guy has to have, but he also has to be able to uplift his teammates and have his teammates come follow him and he’s improved by leaps and bounds. I think you guys can see it and he’s growing.”
This news has to be music to the ears of Browns fans. Cleveland has been unable to find a consistent quarterback since re-entering the NFL in 1999. As such, the Browns have been one of the NFL’s worst teams in that time frame, posting an 85-171 record.
Griffin has not played since the end of the 2014 season, but is an immensely talented athlete. His career started with much fanfare, leading the Washington Redskins to a division title and winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012.
Unfortunately, Griffin has been stalled by injuries since the end of that season. On the other hand, he is only 26, so he still has time to revive his career with the Browns.