Celebrated Heisman Trophy winner and former Baylor University quarterback Robert Griffin III showed up without a limp today at the Texas legislature in Austin to be honored during "RG3 Day" ceremonies at the State Capitol, according to enews@baylor.edu.
Baylor University President Ken Starr was present as Sen. Kirk Watson (D-Austin), himself a Baylor and Baylor Law alumnus, read a proclamation in the Texas Senate Chambers paying tribute to the former Baylor star.
While many bills are hotly debated by Texas lawmakers this was an act which was met with universal aproval as RG3 received a standing ovation from legislators.
Many of his fans were relieved to see he walked without any signs of the season-ending injury which he suffered on national television in the NFL playoffs this past season. He received surgery almost immediately following the injury and his rehabilitation is reportedly ahead of schedule as he hopes to be able to play in the NFL during the upcoming season.
His severe injury was described as a lateral collateral ligament tear and an anterior cruciate ligament tear. RG3 had previously come back from a knee injury during his sophomore season at Baylor to later lead the Bears to their first bowl victory since `1992 in the 2011 Valero Alamo Bowl.
Robert Griffin III, who led Copperas Cove High School to a state championship in Texas, earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Baylor in 2010. He was working on his master's degree in communications when he was drafted in the first round of the 2012 draft as the second overall pick in the entire process.
Griffin, affectionately known as "RG3", led Baylor football to heights never before seen on the Waco campus as he led the team to its first victory ever against perennial powerhouse Oklahoma University as well as two consecutive triumphs against rival University of Texas.
In the classroom, Griffin earned Academic All-Big 12 honors while he also volunteered for several charitable organizations including the Special Olympics, Friends for Life and the Food for Families Drive.
Baylor University also honored RG3 on his day by creating the Robert Griffin III (RG3) Quarterback Scholarship at Baylor University which will be awarded to a standout quarterback on the Baylor football team.
To participate in this effort to honor the legacy of Griffin, people may visit www.baylor.edu/nation/rg3 to begin the giving process.
Sen. Watson read the proclamation which in pertinent part follows:
"On behalf of the Board of Regents, faculty, staff, students and alumni of Baylor University, we pay tribute to Robert Griffin III, for his unyielding dedication and selfless service as an ambassador of Baylor University."
Watson further read:
"In recognition of his embodiment of Baylor University's values and distinctive mission, and in celebration of 'RG3 Day' at the Texas Legislature, we honor Mr. Griffin on this 12th day of March in the year of our Lord 2013 and in the 168th year of Baylor University."
When fully funded, the RG3 scholarship will endow the quarterback position at Baylor.
A devout Christian, RG3 has tweeted on several occasions requesting prayers from people as he rehabs his knee. He has also tweeted his faith in God has not been diminished by his injury.
Griffin hopes to return next season as the starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins.
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