Cornelius Griffin

Cornelius Griffin (born December 3, 1976) is a former American football defensive tackle. He was drafted by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at Pearl River Community College and Alabama.

Griffin has also played for the Washington Redskins.

Early life and college career
Griffin was born in Troy, Alabama. His father Willie Griffin was a pastor of the Lily White Pentecostal Church in Brundidge, Alabama, and Cornelius was one of Willie and Martha Griffin's seven children. Willie died in a car accident in 1998. Auburn University considered recruiting Griffin but declined due to Griffin's declining grades. Thus, after graduating from Pike County High School in Brundidge, Griffin first played college football as a defensive tackle for Pearl River Community College in Mississippi. Although he committed to Auburn, Griffin decided to sign with the University of Alabama after Auburn coaches wanted him to become a tight end. In the Alabama Crimson Tide, he started 23 of 25 games in its team (including bowls). As a senior in 1999, he was part of the Super Sleeper Team and All-Southeastern Conference first team.

2000 NFL Draft
Griffin was selected in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. "His workouts were unbelievable. We saw him as a certain first-rounder", said Giants General Manager Ernie Accorsi.

New York Giants
Griffin played for four seasons with the Giants.

Washington Redskins
Griffin was signed by the Giants' NFC East-rival Washington Redskins as an unrestricted free agent on March 3, 2004, during the 2004 offseason.

Griffin had his best season in 2004, recording 96 tackles (66 solo) and six sacks. He has compiled 22.5 sacks with 352 tackles (249 solo) at either left or right tackle during his career.

He was released on March 4, 2010.

After the NFL
Griffin has purchased a share of Flower's Insurance in Troy, Alabama. The name has changed to Griffin-Wilkes Insurance.