WACO, Texas -- When Robert Griffin III arrived at Baylor four years ago with new coach Art Briles, the Bears had never even experienced a winning season in the Big 12 Conference.
Standing in the confetti celebration last month after the Bears won their first bowl game in nearly two decades for a 10-win season, the exciting dual-threat quarterback knew in his gut it was time to move on to the next level.
Griffin made it official Wednesday, announcing he would skip his senior season to apply for entry into the NFL draft after a college career in which he set or tied 54 school records in 41 games. It was a month and a day after he became the first Baylor player to win the Heisman Trophy, college football's highest individual honor.
"Obviously you want to leave something better than you found it," Griffin said. "I can say we've done that."
Griffin's public announcement came right after he met with teammates to inform them of the decision, and the quarterback said he broke down in tears after telling them.
Griffin had told Briles of his decision when they spoke Tuesday, following up on a conversation from the previous day.
"Neither of us broke down, surprisingly," said Griffin, though Briles quickly added with a smile, "Not on the outside."
Said Briles: "He's ready, It's time."
Griffin, Baylor's career passing leader, completed 800 of 1,192 passes (67 percent) for 10,366 yards and 78 touchdowns with 17 interceptions. His 2,254 yards and 33 rushing touchdowns are records for a Bears quarterback.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press
