Ryan Griffin (quarterback)
A quarterback who transitioned from a long NFL backup career to a Super Bowl champion and, finally, a rising coach on the sidelines.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American football player and coach·Birthday: November 17·Millennials
Biography
Ryan Griffin's football narrative is one of adaptability and behind-the-scenes value. After a productive college career at Tulane, he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints in 2013. For nearly a decade, Griffin inhabited the essential but unglamorous role of a practice squad and backup quarterback. He learned under Drew Brees in New Orleans and later joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where his deep understanding of offensive systems made him a valuable locker room resource. Though he never started a regular-season game, his contributions were recognized with a Super Bowl LV ring in 2020. After a brief playing stint in Italy, Griffin seamlessly pivoted, joining the Chicago Bears coaching staff in 2024 to tutor quarterbacks and receivers, beginning the next chapter of his football life.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ryan was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ryan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Ryan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned a Super Bowl ring as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2020 season.
- Spent eight seasons in the NFL as a quarterback with three different franchises.
- Signed as an undrafted free agent and maintained an NFL roster spot for multiple years.
Did You Know?
He played his final professional games as a quarterback and offensive coordinator for the Skorpions Varese in Italy in 2024.
He was a four-year starter at Tulane University, throwing for over 9,000 yards.
He is the older brother of former NFL tight end Ryan Griffin (who played for the Texans and others).
“I just want to be ready when my number is called.”
