Eric Boggs
Two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin will join one of the most iconic traditions in college sports when he dots the “i” in Script Ohio during halftime of the Ohio State vs. Akron game on August 31. This honor recognizes Griffin for his significant contributions to the university and his steadfast support of the Ohio State Marching Band.
“The opportunity, in Ohio Stadium, to dot the ‘i’ is a very special honor,” Griffin remarked. “I know that Woody was proud to have had that opportunity, and I am following in his footsteps and am extremely proud of this opportunity.”
Being invited to dot the “i” is the highest honor the band can extend to a nonmember, presented by the senior sousaphone members of the Ohio State Marching Band. Griffin was surprised with the invitation by these students during a visit to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center earlier this month.
Nick Pisanelli, a senior sousaphone player who will dot the “i” during the Ohio State vs. Nebraska game this year, expressed his excitement. “As a sousaphone player, dotting the ‘i’ is the highest honor one can achieve. It’s a dream many of us have for years, one that we work hard for each day as a member of this band. Archie Griffin embodies that same spirit, and on the 50th anniversary of his first Heisman Trophy, we felt it was an easy decision to ask him to share this honor with us. He’s living proof that hard work, determination, and passion can take you anywhere, and we are so excited for him to join us as we all live out our dream.”
During his time at Ohio State, Griffin set a school record with 5,589 rushing yards and 31 consecutive 100-yard games, a record that still stands in the NCAA. He also won two Silver Footballs, awarded to the Big Ten’s MVP by the Chicago Tribune.
“When you see someone outside of the band dotting the ‘i’, you know that it is extraordinary. That is how I look at it,” Griffin stated. “It is a big-time tradition for our band, university, fans, and everyone who knows Ohio State. To give someone who is not part of the band the opportunity, it must be something special.”
Dr. Christopher Hoch, director of Marching and Athletic Bands, shared his enthusiasm. “We are super excited and honored to have him be a part of this tradition. While I didn’t have the opportunity to watch Archie play at Ohio State, I remember my dad talking about him as a legend and how great of a person he was. We are looking forward to August 31 and being able to watch Archie have his well-deserved moment with the band.”
After a seven-year NFL career, Griffin returned to Ohio State, serving in several roles including president and CEO of The Ohio State University Alumni Association, assistant athletic director, and senior advisor for advancement before retiring.
“To see the band perform, it gives you goosebumps. You wonder what the next big show they’re going to do, because they always do something that is special and that no others are doing,” Griffin added. “It makes you, as an Ohio State alumnus, very proud. Our band is The Best Damn Band in the Land.”
The honor of being an honorary i-dotter has been extended to only a select few, including comedian Bob Hope (1978), Woody Hayes (1983), golfer Jack Nicklaus (2006), Sen. John and Annie Glenn (2009), and former football coach Earle Bruce (2016).
The Ohio State vs. Akron game starts at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 31. The Marching Band will perform Script Ohio during pregame with band member Brody Hyre dotting the i. Griffin will dot the “i” during a halftime Script Ohio, following the band’s halftime show. He will also be recognized at Skull Session, the band’s pregame pep rally at St. John Arena, beginning at 1:10 p.m.
Archie Mason Griffin, born August 21, 1954, is considered one of the greatest college football players of all time. He played for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 1972-75, winning two Heisman Trophies and leading the team to four Big Ten Conference titles. After a successful college career, he played seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL. Griffin has been inducted into several halls of fame, including the College Football Hall of Fame and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame.
