Cornelius Griffin (; born December 3, 1976) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2000 NFL draft. He played college football at Pearl River Community College and Alabama.
Griffin also played for the Washington Redskins.
Early life and college career Griffin was born in Troy, Alabama. His father Willie Griffin was a pastor of the Lily White Pentecostal Church in Brundidge, Alabama, and Cornelius was one of Willie and Martha Griffin's seven children. Willie died in a car accident in 1998. Griffin graduated from Pike County High School in 1995 in Brundidge, Alabama. He first played college football as a defensive tackle for Pearl River Community College in Mississippi. Although he committed to Auburn, Griffin decided to sign with the University of Alabama after Auburn coaches wanted him to become a tight end. In the Alabama Crimson Tide, he started 23 of 25 games in its team (including bowls). As a senior in 1999, he was part of the Super Sleeper Team and All-Southeastern Conference first-team.
Professional career
2000 NFL draft Griffin was selected in the second round of the 2000 NFL draft by the New York Giants. "His workouts were unbelievable. We saw him as a certain first-rounder", said Giants General Manager Ernie Accorsi..
New York Giants Griffin played for four seasons with the Giants. He was a starter in Super Bowl XXXV and recorded 1.5 sacks in the game.
Washington Redskins Griffin was signed by the Giants' NFC East-rival Washington Redskins as an unrestricted free agent on March 3, 2004, during the 2004 offseason.Redskins Sign DT Cornelius Griffin From Giants
Griffin had his best season in 2004, recording 96 tackles (66 solo) and six sacks. He compiled 29 sacks with 461 tackles (340 solo) as a defensive tackle during his career.
He was released on March 4, 2010.Redskins release Griffin
After the NFL Griffin purchased a share of Flowers Insurance Company in Troy, Alabama. The name has now been changed to Griffin-Wilkes Insurance. Griffin also coaches has coached at Pike Liberal Arts High School in Troy, Alabama. Although he currently coaches for the Pike County High School Bulldogs in Brundidge, Alabama which is also his hometown and hometown high school.
NFL statistics Year Team Games Combined tackles Tackles Assisted tackles Sacks Forced fumbles Fumble recoveries 2000 NYG 15 34 27 7 5.0 0 0 2001 NYG 16 63 47 16 2.5 0 1 2002 NYG 14 49 32 17 4.0 1 1 2003 NYG 15 55 39 17 1.0 0 1 2004 WSH 15 70 56 14 6.0 0 1 2005 WSH 13 35 34 1 4.0 1 1 2006 WSH 14 50 39 11 1.0 1 0 2007 WSH 16 43 28 14 2.5 0 0 2008 WSH 14 28 16 12 1.0 0 0 2009 WSH 14 34 22 12 2.0 1 0 Career 146 461 340 121 29.0 4 5
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