Introduction for John Griffin at the Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony on March 15, 2025
Our very first inductee into the St. Pius X Athletic Hall of Fame is John Griffin, a graduate of the class of 1966.
John was a member of the 1965 state runner-up football team. We are grateful to his mother who saved many newspaper articles as we are able to share these first hand comments:
From the fall 1965 Atlanta Journal Constitution:
Griffin was THE offensive star, as he faked, ran, passed and even kicked extra points!
His opponents declared him “the best in the state”.
John Griffin put on a one-man offensive show…
John Griffin is the most valuable player in the toughest AA Sub region in the state. He is the AJC “Back of the Year” 1965.
Coach George Maloof said – “Griffin has more poise on a football field than anyone I have ever seen.”
John lettered in football in 63, 64 and 65 AND Basketball in 62, 63, 64, 65 AND Track in 62 and 63. A true multi-sport athlete.
John was Varsity Football, Captain, and Varsity Football MVP twice. He also won the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame scholar-athlete award.
After St. Pius, John attended the University of Georgia. At Georgia, he became a starter on defense and was a member of Bulldogs teams that were invited to three bowl games.
No matter how intense football was - John was always diligent with his school work. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and Blue Key. He received the Alumni Society's award for having the highest academic record on the football team and graduated cum laude. He graduated with a Jurist Doctor in 1973.
Vince Dooley commented on John - Capable, competently reliable, and the consummate team player - but always under the radar. Griffin was a team player, never one to boast of his successes or seek the headlines.
He joined the firm of Troutman Sanders Lockerman and Ashmore in 1973, making partner in January 1978, and spent entire career at that firm specializing in commercial real estate.
The University of Georgia Hall of Fame selected him for one of its Post-Graduate Achievement Awards in 2011. In 2012, Coach Mark Richt asked him to be game captain against Buffalo. John said, “"There were many successful players who deserve that honor more than I do".
We are very pleased to bestow upon John, the honor of being inducted into the St. Pius X Athletic Hall of Fame.
