Bob Asmussen | Record-setting running back Griffith enjoying BTN ride

Sep. 26—CHAMPAIGN — In his 17th year at BTN, Howard Griffith had never worked a game at his alma mater, the University of Illinois.

But there was the former running back and Super Bowl champion, serving as analyst Saturday for the Illinois-Florida Atlantic game.

He partnered with Jason Ross Jr. for the first time, and they clicked during a smooth broadcast.

"When I boil it down to my friends and explain it, all I'm doing is watching a bunch of kids play catch," Griffith said.

Most of Griffith's work at BTN has been in the studio. From the day the network went on the air, Griffith has worked with Dave Revsine and Gerry DiNardo on the cozy set. It has been a fun run.

"I tell people, I've never done anything 17 years consecutively," Griffith said.

In his time at BTN, Griffith has also called a handful of games. He didn't seek Saturday's assignment.

"I'm not really sure how that happened," Griffith said. "They asked me about 10 days ago if I'd be interested in doing a game."

His answer: Sure.

Griffith doesn't know if he will be calling more games. That is up to the network.

Those who tuned in heard a veteran voice who has a strong handle on the conference. Plus, he has done this awhile, so no jitters.

He has plenty of previous experience calling football games.

Before he relocated to his hometown of Chicago, Griffith served as analyst in Denver on Colorado State University games and for John Elway's Arena League team, the Colorado Crush.

Over the years, Griffith has learned the importance of a balanced broadcast.

"If you're calling a game, there's another fan base out there that's going to be listening," he said.

Happy homecoming

Griffith always looks forward to stops at his college. He's got another reason now to want to make the trip: His youngest son, Houston, is working on Bret Bielema's recruiting staff.

Father and son went to dinner earlier in the week. Houston picked the restaurant. Howard picked up the tab.

Howard is happy his son is starting his football career at Illinois. Houston played at Notre Dame after a standout high school career.

"It's fun," Griffith said. "Obviously, he's there to do a job and cut his teeth and start his career path. He's getting a great education. He's around some not only great football coaches, but some great people as well."

Dad taught Houston to maintain good relationships with the folks he met along the way. He came into contact with Bielema's staff because of the transfer portal.

"I always told him 'Relationships are everything, and even if you're not going to a school, at least be up front and have conversations with those coaches about why you made the decision. And be respectful to it.'"

That's a lesson Griffith picked up from his parents and his high school coach at Chicago Julian, the late J.W. Smith.

"He was big on relationships and making sure you did things the right way," Griffith said.

Griffith's efforts to build relationships have practical implications in broadcasting.

He knows a lot of people. So when he was assigned to call the Florida Atlantic game, he had already met head coach Tom Herman and members of his staff.

Griffith's phone is full of contacts.

"It speaks to longevity and the way I try to handle my business," Griffith said.

On air, Griffith doesn't throw verbal grenades — at coaches or players.

"I can be critical, but I'm not going to go out of my way to bash the kids like you see some of the people that do that on the internet right now," Griffith said.

Special memory

The turf looks quite a bit different. But the place is the same.

Saturday's visit to Memorial Stadium marked the 33rd anniversary (plus a day) of Griffith's sprint into the record books.

On Sept. 22, 1990, Griffith broke the FBS record for rushing touchdowns with eight against Southern Illinois University. That was one better than what Mississippi's Arnold "Showboat" Boykin put up in a 1951 game against Mississippi State.

Griffith hears about the record whenever another player gets close. Or maybe on the anniversary, like this week.

Somewhere at home, Griffith has the record ball. It was signed by his 1990 teammates.

Longtime UI football manager Andy Dixon sent some of Griffith's gear from that game to the College Football Hall of Fame, which requested it to be used for display.

At Griffith's home, there is little indication a successful football player lives there. His Super Bowl rings aren't visible.

"I don't know the last time I've had them on," he said.

They will belong to Griffith's sons, Houston and older brother Howard Jr., who is a graphic designer at BTN.

Staying fit

During his recent visit to C-U, Griffith jumped on his bike a few times for long rides. Not around the block — more like 20 to 40 miles.

Just before the start of COVID-19, the now-55-year-old decided to get in better shape.

So, about five times a week, he rides and rides and rides. If the weather is nasty, he's got a Peloton as a backup.

Griffith is careful and wears all the appropriate safety equipment, starting with a helmet.

"Absolutely," Griffith said.

In his playing days, Griffith checked in at about 229 pounds. Today, he is 222.

Some of the ex-players — and most sportswriters — trend the other way.

Physically, Griffith feels good. His shoulder bothers him a bit. Remember, he played fullback in the NFL.

"I'm just trying to keep moving," Griffith said.