James Griffin (2014) - Hall of Fame - Middle Tennessee State University Athletics

James Griffin

Induction:
2014
Class:
1992

In 1979, James Griffin was a member of coach Boots Donnelly’s first recruiting class, a class that set the bar high for future Blue Raider successes on the football field. During his four-year playing career, the future NFL player quickly became a feared defender from his safety position, not only known for his bone-crushing tackling, but also his keen knack for intercepting opponent’s passes. At the time of his induction, the Camilla, Georgia native still held the school record for interceptions with 17. As he and his teammates started to build the foundation for future great Blue Raider successes, Griffin was singled out by opposing OVC head coaches and named to the All-OVC squads in 1981 and 1982. Griffin went on to a seven-year career in the NFL, playing for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Detroit Lions.