On this Day in NFL History: Robert Griffin III wins his NFL Debut against the New Orleans Saints

It was on this day in 2012 that Robert Griffin III (RG3), the Washington Football Team (then Redskins’) quarterback drafted number two overall in the 2012 NFL Draft, got a 40-32 win over the New Orleans Saints. This made him the first and only Redskins rookie quarterback to start and win in his NFL debut in the first week of the NFL season.

Robert Griffin III completed the game with 320 passing yards on 19/26 passing scoring two touchdowns as well as 42 rushing yards on nine attempts. He is the only player in NFL history to record 300 passing yards and two touchdowns in their debut.

Robert Griffin III became first player in NFL history to compile 300-plus passing yards, two or more passing TDs and no INTs in NFL debut.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 9, 2012

Alfred Morris, then Washington Football Team rookie running back, also had an impressive NFL debut with 96 rushing yards on 24 attempts scoring two touchdowns.

Robert’s opposition at quarterback, multiple-time Pro Bowler, and Super Bowl champion Drew Brees, finished the game with 339 passing yards on 24/52 passing scoring three touchdowns and throwing two interceptions.

This was the first game of what would be an incredible rookie season for Robert Griffin III as he put up 3,200 passing yards scoring 20 passing touchdowns while also recording 815 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. He would win the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award ahead of Pro Bowl quarterback Andrew Luck and future Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson.

In addition, Robert put up a 9-6 record in his 15 starts leading the Washington Football Team to the playoffs for the first time at that point since 2005.

Sadly, this would be the high point of Robert Griffin III’s NFL career as injuries plagued him taking away his best years before they even got started. Over the next two seasons with the Washington Football Team, he finished with a 5-15 in 20 QB starts.

Robert Griffin III was one of the best QB in @NFL in his rookie season, things simply have not been the same since: pic.twitter.com/9eEcQdodRN

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 23, 2014

Griffin was subsequently cut by the Washington Football Team after missing the entire 2015 season moving on to the Cleveland Browns. There he would play just five games recording 886 passing yards just two touchdowns and three interceptions with a 1-4 record.

Currently, Robert Griffin III serves as the backup quarterback to reigning league MVP Lamar Jackson as a member of the Baltimore Ravens where he has a great chance of winning a Super Bowl on a team that was the best offense in the NFL finished with the best record in the NFL at 14-2 last season.