Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III recently celebrated the birth of a new daughter. Normally, this would be cause for some well wishes and congratulations. But since this is the RGIII we are talking about, it has of course sparked some debate among fans.
ESPN Redskins reporter was recently asked in his weekly mailbag if Griffin's baby will change him as a person and a player.
@john_keim Do you think the birth of RG3's baby will change him as a person and player, like more focused, less social media? #jkmailbag
— Joe Aman (@JoeAman87) May 22, 2015
"I think having a baby has, or should have, a positive impact on anyone's career," Keim answered. "I know it did on mine. But I've never worried about Griffin's focus; he's a lot more focused than most - not only in the NFL, but for his age period. Say what you want about him - and I've certainly pointed out his struggles - but he is a focused, hard-working, determined player. Ultimately, it gives him a chance to still be successful. If he has a good year, I would not look back and say his baby was somehow the reason. (But you know it will be a storyline should he play well). Maybe his new daughter gives him a different peace of mind or maybe it provides him more perspective; life is different when you go from the center of attention to having a child who now occupies that roles. That's true for anyone. But I think he's capable of improving, with or without a newborn. As for social media, that's another bug of mine. When he was at his high point in terms of tweeting it was perhaps three a day. Not sure why the rest of the world can tweet or use social media but he can't. I've never understood it. Maybe people don't like what he says on there - and I guess it reminds fans of his failures, but it in no way has impacted his performance. During the season? I'd recommend players staying off there because Twitter is not always a kind of place for athletes in-season - I know there are people who spread lies even about what I've written or said and express hatred for having a differing opinion, let alone the classless nonsense that is directed at players. But in the offseason? Have at it; live your life."
Well, there you go. It sounds as if RGIII will fail or success regardless of his growing family. Sure, he's made some mistakes over the past few years. But the NFL is undoubtedly a better place with him at the top of his game. Here's to hoping he's able to regain his rookie season form.
