New Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III said he worked “an hour after every practice” last season to stay ready and that he’s “just appreciative and ready to compete” in a conference call with Cleveland-area reporters Thursday, a few hours after the Browns officially announced that they’d signed to a Griffin to a two-year deal.
At least for now, he’s an NFL starting quarterback again.
“This is my calling,” Griffin said.
Griffin signed a two-year deal with the Browns worth $6.75 million guaranteed. Griffin got a $3.75 million signing bonus on the deal, which has a base value of $15 million and incentives that could make it worth as much as $22 million.
Asked during the conference call about his health, Griffin said he might “write a book about it later” but that he feels healthy and blessed to have a chance to play again. He said what happened during his time with the Redskins “would break a lot of people” but said he’s focused on the future and is “excited to grow under a coach who believes in me.”
Asked about the Browns potentially drafting a quarterback at No. 2 overall next month, Griffin said “I’m a vet now” and that he would take a rookie quarterback under his wing.
“If they draft a quarterback, it doesn’t bother me at all,” he said. “I’m just ready to compete.”