Two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin will take his place in one of the most memorable traditions in college athletics as he dots the “i” in Script Ohio on Aug. 31 during halftime of the Ohio State vs. Akron game. Griffin is being recognized for his service to the university and for his longtime support of its Marching Band.

“The opportunity, in Ohio Stadium, to dot the “i” is a very special honor,” says Griffin. “I know that Woody was proud to have had that opportunity, and I am following in his footsteps and am extremely proud of this opportunity.”

The recognition, considered the greatest the band can extend to a nonmember, is being presented by the “i-dotters” — the senior sousaphone members of the Ohio State Marching Band. The students visited Griffin at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center early in July to surprise him with the invitation.

“As a sousaphone player, dotting the “i” is the highest honor one can achieve. It’s a dream many of us have for years, one that we work hard for each day as a member of this band. It takes unrelenting dedication to finally be able to live that dream, says Nick Pisanelli, senior sousaphone player, who is dotting the “i” during the Ohio State vs. Nebraska game this year.  “Archie Griffin embodies that same spirit, and on the 50th anniversary of his first Heisman Trophy, we felt it was an easy decision to ask him to share this honor with us. He’s living proof that hard work, determination, and passion can take you anywhere, and we are so excited for him to join us as we all live out our dream.”  

As a player at Ohio State, Griffin rushed for a school-record 5,589 yards on 924 carries and scored 26 rushing touchdowns. His 31 consecutive 100-yard games are still an NCAA record. In addition to two Heisman Trophies, Griffin also has a pair of Silver Footballs, which are presented annually by the Chicago Tribune to the Big Ten’s MVP. 

 “When you see someone outside of the band dotting the “i”, you know that it is extraordinary. That is how I look at it,” says Griffin. “It is a big-time tradition for our band, university, fans and everyone who knows Ohio State. To give someone who is not part of the band the opportunity, it must be something special.”

“We are super excited and honored to have him be a part of this tradition,” says Dr. Christopher Hoch, director of Marching and Athletic Bands. “While I didn’t have the opportunity to watch Archie play at Ohio State, I remember my dad talking about him as a legend and how great of a person he was. We are looking forward to August 31 and being able to watch Archie have his well-deserved moment with the band.”

 After a seven-year NFL football career, Griffin returned to Ohio State and served as the president and CEO of The Ohio State University Alumni Association, as an assistant athletic director, and as Ohio State’s senior advisor for advancement before retiring.

“To see the band perform, it gives you goosebumps. You wonder what the next big show they’re going to do, because they always do something that is special and that no others are doing,” says Griffin. “It makes you, as an Ohio State alumnus, very proud. Our band is The Best Damn Band in the Land.”

The invitation to be an honorary i-dotter has only been extended to a select few individuals over the history of Script Ohio. Previous honorary i-dotters have included comedian Bob Hope (1978), Hayes (1983), golfer Jack Nicklaus (2006) Sen. John and Annie Glenn (2009), and Marching Band director emeritus Jon R. Woods (2011). Recently, former football coach Earle Bruce dotted the “i” in 2016 and 100 year-old Anthony Violi dotted the "i" in 2018. 

The Ohio State vs. Akron game begins at 3:30 on Saturday, August 31. The Marching Band will perform a Script Ohio during pregame with band member Brody Hyre dotting the i. Griffin will dot the “i” in a halftime Script Ohio following the band’s halftime show. Griffin will also be recognized at Skull Session, the band’s free pregame pep rally at St. John Arena, which will begin at 1:10 p.m.