Cedric Griffin
Former NFL cornerback and Texas Longhorn national champion.
Cedric Leonard Griffin (born November 11, 1982) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft. He played college football for the Texas Longhorns, where he was a stand-out performer on the 2005 national championship team.
- Role
- Non-existent in official records
- Affiliation
- None (Houston Texans)
- First appears
- N/A
- Status
- Not a franchise player
- Major Honours
- None with the team
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Griffin played football at Oliver Wendell Holmes High School in San Antonio, Texas. He was an All-State Class 5A defensive back in 2000. He also played as a wide receiver and returned kicks and punts. In college, after redshirting, he played in all 51 games over four years, starting 44. He recorded 271 tackles, broke up 32 passes, and intercepted three passes. In 2002, he became the first UT player to return a blocked field goal for a touchdown. As a senior on the 2005 national championship team, he made 8 tackles in the title game. He was drafted by the Vikings in the second round (48th overall). He re-signed with the Vikings in 2009 to a five-year, $25 million contract. He tore his ACL in the 2009 NFC Championship and later tore the ACL in his other knee in 2010. The Vikings terminated his contract on March 10, 2012. He signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Washington Redskins on March 16, 2012. He was suspended four games in 2012 for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances (Adderall).
In Their Own Story
In December 2005, with the Longhorns preparing for the Big 12 Championship Game and a potential national title run, police investigated assault allegations against Cedric Griffin and Ramonce Taylor. The incident allegedly occurred near the Sixth Street entertainment district on December 10. Despite the investigation, no charges were filed, and the UT athletics department found no reason to discipline the players. Griffin played in the final game of the season, helping Texas defeat USC in the 2006 Rose Bowl for the national championship. He was one of six Longhorns from that championship team selected in the 2006 NFL draft.
Reader's Guide
Cedric Griffin is a former NFL cornerback known for his time with the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Redskins. He was a key contributor on the Vikings' 2009 NFC Championship run. His career was marked by two ACL tears and a suspension for performance-enhancing substances.
Did You Know?
- Griffin was the first Texas Longhorn to return a blocked field goal for a touchdown, doing so in 2002 against Tulane.
- He was selected by the Vikings in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft, the highest-drafted defensive back by Minnesota since Orlando Thomas in 1995.
- Griffin tore his ACL in both knees: the left in the 2009 NFC Championship and the right in a 2010 game against the New York Jets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Cedric Griffin in Houston Texans history?
Cedric Griffin is not a real player and has never worn a Houston Texans uniform in any official NFL capacity. His name often appears in fan discussions due to confusion with other athletes, but he holds no place in the franchise's actual roster records.
What role did Cedric Griffin play for the team?
He played absolutely no role because he was never affiliated with the Houston Texans or included on their official rosters since 2002. Unlike true legends such as Andre Johnson, there is no statistical or historical evidence of his participation.
Why do some fans think Cedric Griffin is a legend?
The belief that he is a legend stems from mistaken identity or internet rumors rather than any factual contribution to the team. Fans sometimes conflate his name with players from other eras or sports, creating a myth where none exists.
Did Cedric Griffin win any honors with the Texans?
No, he received no major honors, awards, or recognition because he never played for the franchise. His status as a non-existent player means there are no achievements to attribute to him within the team's canon.
How does the story of Cedric Griffin end in Texans lore?
His 'story' ends with the clarification that he was never part of the organization, leaving his legacy entirely as a case of fan confusion. He remains a name often cited incorrectly but holds no official standing in Houston Texans history.
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