Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III said in an interview with a local television station that he is the best quarterback in the league. Speaking to reporters Tuesday, he said there were no regrets on his previous statement, although it was taken out of context.
Griffin told WJLA-TV, "I feel like I'm the best quarterback in the league, and I have to go out and show that. Any athlete at any level, if they concede to someone else, they're not a top competitor, they're not trying to be the best that they can be."
He added, "There's guys in this league that have done way more than me. But I still view myself as the best because that's what I work toward every single day."
The 25-year-old quarterback's statement became one of the top headlines in the sports world and he told reporters Tuesday that he knew what he meant and believes the reporters also were aware what he was trying to say.
"It's unfortunate that my name keeps getting used for headlines for people to click on stories. I know what I want to be, and I know what I strive to be. I'm not going to make any apologies for that," Griffin also said.
Entering his fourth season, Griffin remains the Redskins' starting quarterback; although in the past two seasons he was plagued by injuries which drew criticisms.
In his first season with the Redskins in 2012, Griffin completed 258 of 393 passes (65.6 percent) for 3,200 yards and 20 touchdowns.
During the 2013 season he managed to play in 13 games despite having a knee injury and went for 274 of 456 passes (60.1 percent) for 3,203 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Last season, he played in only nine games, completing 147 of 214 passes (68.7 percent) for 1,694 yards and only four touchdowns.
Griffin suffered a dislocated ankle in Week 2 of the 2014 season and did not play in the first three games since returning from the injury but reclaimed the starting job when Colt McCoy got injured.
Redskins head coach Jay Gruden sided with his quarterback and said, "I didn't make a lot out of it, you guys did. All players want to strive to be the best, and that doesn't change."
