Baltimore Ravens quarterback Robert Griffin III had his number called on Sunday when Lamar Jackson was forced to exit the game for a concussion evaluation.
Griffin spent the entire 2017 NFL season out of football following his very public, contentious exit in Washington.
Finally, he got his chance to compete in Week 13, as he attempted his first pass in a regular season game since January 1, 2017.
Following the game, Griffin opened up about what it meant to finally get back into meaningful action as a pro football player.
“Personally, it’s emotional because a year ago no one thought I’d be playing in the NFL ever again,” Griffin said, per the team’s website. “That was a special moment for me, but I tried not to make that the focal point of what was going on. We were in the heat of the game and we needed to get the win.”
Griffin only attempted four passes, completing two for 21 yards. However, he led a 14-play drive that ended in a field goal, extending Baltimore’s lead to 16-10 over the Atlanta Falcons.
“I just tried to stay calm and let everybody know that I’ve been preparing and studying the gameplan, so I felt like there was no difference when I get out there,” Griffin said. “We took a lot of time off the clock and shortened the game. I think that drive was instrumental in helping us secure the win.”
Afterward, Jackson was cleared to return and finished out the game, leading the Ravens to a 26-16 victory — his third straight as a starter.