The OG RGIII: How J.J. Joe Paved the Way for Baylor’s Football Success
March 2, 2025 | ABC News
Before Robert Griffin III electrified college football and brought national prominence to Baylor University, there was another quarterback who helped lay the foundation for the Bears’ success. That man was J.J. Joe—Baylor’s original dual-threat leader, a signal-caller who showcased his talent in the early 1990s and set the stage for future stars like Griffin.
J.J. Joe: The Original Game-Changer
Long before Baylor became a force in the Big 12, J.J. Joe commanded the field as the Bears’ starting quarterback from 1990 to 1993. While his name may not be as widely recognized as RGIII’s, Joe’s impact on Baylor football was undeniable. He was a versatile playmaker who could make things happen both in the air and on the ground.
Joe finished his career as one of Baylor’s all-time leading passers, throwing for over 5,000 yards and helping the Bears secure multiple winning seasons under head coach Grant Teaff. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make smart decisions under pressure made him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks of his era.
A Legacy That Paved the Way
Though J.J. Joe didn’t win a Heisman Trophy like Robert Griffin III, he played a crucial role in setting the precedent for the type of quarterbacks Baylor would later recruit. His leadership and playmaking ability helped establish a competitive culture within the program, one that eventually attracted stars like Griffin, who would go on to lead Baylor to a historic turnaround in the early 2010s.
For many longtime Baylor fans, Joe was the first real glimpse of what a game-changing quarterback could look like in Waco. His contributions to the program have not been forgotten, and many credit him as a key figure in the Bears’ football evolution.
From One RGIII to Another
When Robert Griffin III arrived at Baylor in 2008, the program was struggling, having endured more than a decade of mediocrity. However, with his electrifying athleticism, arm strength, and leadership, Griffin led the Bears to unprecedented success, including their first Heisman Trophy in 2011.
But long before RGIII’s rise to stardom, J.J. Joe was already proving that a mobile, intelligent quarterback could thrive in a Baylor uniform. In many ways, he was the original “RGIII” before the world even knew the name.
Honoring Baylor’s Quarterback Legacy
Today, both J.J. Joe and Robert Griffin III remain beloved figures in Baylor football history. Joe, who has stayed close to the program as a radio analyst, continues to inspire new generations of players and fans. His contributions to Baylor football remind us that before there was the Heisman-winning RGIII, there was the OG RGIII—J.J. Joe.
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