Michael Griffin life and biography

PRO: Michael Griffin, one of the best young safeties in the NFL, displays great range and playmaking ability in the secondary. The Titans’ 2007 first round pick possesses the ball-hawking skills of a safety and the speed and agility of a cornerback. Throughout his career, he has shown an uncanny knack for always being around the football and making big plays on defense and special teams.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
• Was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2008 after finishing tied for second in the NFL with a team-high seven interceptions.
• In 2007, he began his rookie campaign as a cornerback before shifting back to his collegiate position of safety midway through the season. His three interceptions were the most by a Titans/Oilers rookie safety since Bubba McDowell recorded four in 1989.

TITANS TIDBITS:
• Griffin grew up playing football with his fraternal twin brother, Marcus, as a teammate. Both attended the University of Texas with Marcus redshirting his first season while Michael played immediately.
• Griffin returned to the University of Texas during the 2008 offseason to pursue his college degree in youth and community studies.
• Griffin is the product of two military parents. His father, Ronald, served more than 20 years with the U.S. Air Force, while his mother, Mae, was in the U.S. Navy for more than two decades. The couple met while serving in Korea and were later married and had twin sons, Michael and Marcus.
• Griffin was the second consecutive first-round draft pick by the Titans out of the University of Texas. Quarterback Vince Young was chosen with the third overall pick in the 2006 draft. There are a total of four former Texas teammates on the Titans roster – Griffin, Young, tight end Bo Scaife and fullback Ahmard Hall.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS:
• The Austin, Texas, native was selected by the Titans in the first round (19th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE:
• The 19th overall selection in the 2007 NFL Draft developed into one of the top safeties in college football during his four years at Texas. He started 28 times in 50 career games at Texas and totaled 364 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, four sacks, eight interceptions, 23 passes defensed, nine forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. As one of the country’s top special teams players, he set a Big 12 Conference record and ranked second in NCAA Division I-A history with eight career blocked punts.
• Led Texas in special teams tackles in each of his first two seasons and led the defense in tackles in his junior (124 tackles) and senior seasons (126). He was only the eighth player in Longhorns history to lead the team in tackles more than once in his career. His 364 career tackles on defense ranked eighth on the school’s all-time list.
• As a senior, started all 13 games at free safety. Named second-team All-American by Associated Press and Walter Camp Football Foundation, first-team All-Big 12 by Associated Press and league’s coaches and was semifinalist for Lott Trophy. Led team with 126 tackles and added four interceptions, 10 passes defensed, one sack, four tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two blocked punts. Set season high with 16 tackles and added two passes defensed at Texas Tech (10/28).
• As a junior, played 13 games with 12 starts at strong safety. Named second-team All-Big 12 after leading team with 124 tackles and adding three interceptions, eight passes defensed, four tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and school-record four blocked punts. Matched school’s highest single-game total since 1992 with career-high 23 tackles and blocked punt that was returned for touchdown at Texas A&M (11/25). Posted eight tackles and made crucial interception off Matt Leinart in Texas end zone to halt USC drive in 41-38 victory in Rose Bowl National Championship Game against USC (1/4).
• As a sophomore, played 12 games with one start and recorded 49 tackles, one sack, one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two blocked punts. Also led team with 11 special teams tackles.
• As a freshman, played in 12 games with two starts and totaled 51 tackles, two sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Named team’s Outstanding Defensive Newcomer. Also led squad with 21 special teams tackles.
• Majored in youth and community studies.

PERSONAL:
• Single, splits time between Nashville and Austin, Texas.
• Has a son, Michael Braylen Griffin (2) and a newborn daughter Mya Devin Griffin.
• Two-year starter at running back and senior starter at defensive back for Bowie (Austin, Texas) High School. As senior, named honorable mention All-State Class 5A on offense, District 25-5A Offensive MVP, Academic All-District and All-Central Texas as two-way performer. On offense, totaled 132 carries for 1,181 yards and 11 scores and added 46 tackles on defense.
• Also earned two letters in basketball and three in track & field, competing in 100m, 200m and mile relay.
• Participated in Pals program working with elementary school children while at Texas.
• Twice named to Athletics Director’s Honor Roll at Texas.
• List of favorites: (TV show) “Martin”; (actor) Denzel Washington; (musician) Lil’ Wayne; (school subject) math; (vacation getaway) Hawaii; (video game) NCAA Football; and (food) “anything cajun.”
• Born Michael Devin Griffin on Jan. 4, 1985 in Austin, Texas.

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