Headed for Sundays

It's official. After weeks of speculation, Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III has declared for the 2012 NFL Draft. The 2011 Heisman Trophy winner has played his final game as a Baylor Bear.

It may not come as a surprise to some, but Robert Griffin III has officially declared for the 2012 NFL Draft. The Baylor standout was the winner of the 2011 Heisman Trophy and the 2011 Davey O'Brien Award, given to the nation's best quarterback.

Despite early reports that he had made a quick decision, Griffin was always steadfast in saying he would take his time and announce his decision when he was certain. That time has now come.

Griffin enrolled at Baylor in 2008 and started eleven games as a true-freshman. In 2009, he played in Baylor's first three games before suffering a season-ending knee injury. After being given a medical hardship waiver by the NCAA, Griffin regained one year of eligibility and led the 2010 Bears to their first ever bowl game and winning season in the Big 12 era. This past season, Griffin led Baylor to only its second ten-win season in program history en route to becoming the program's first ever Heisman Trophy winner. By declaring for the NFL Draft now, Griffin is forgoing his final year of NCAA eligibility.

Robert Griffin III leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten in Waco, Texas. Although the Baylor Bears may have future quarterbacks that also put up gaudy statistics and win awards, they will never truly be able to replicate what Griffin has meant to this program. Griffin came along when Baylor was at one of its lowest lows and helped lead it to one of its highest highs. He became the face of not only a football team, but also an entire university. The amount of publicity and goodwill Griffin has brought Baylor University is almost impossible to imagine.

Perhaps all good things do come to an end, however, the show must still go on.

On September 1, 2012, the Baylor Bears will take the field at Floyd Casey Stadium to play the SMU Mustangs. Robert Griffin III will not be the Bears' starting quarterback but the goal will still be the same.

Win

That has been the expectation set by Art Briles while in Waco and Baylor coaches, players, students, alumni and fans alike will expect it to continue. No matter who the Bears' starting quarterback is, no matter who is blocking for him, no matter who is catching the passes, running with the ball, creating pressure, making tackles or covering receivers, the goal is still to win. After years of wandering through the desert, the platform for success has finally been set.

You can thank RG3 for that.