Bob Griese's Sports Injuries

Type of Sport: American Football

Bob Griese's Sports Injuries Table

Type Area Date Consequences Content How It Happened Recovery Duration Rehabilitation Details Impact On Career Psychological Impact Previous Injuries Return To Competition Severity Treatment Medical Staff Long Term Impact Preventive Measures Competition Missed Initial Symptoms Re Injury Risk Support System Rehabilitation Location
Leg Injuries Right Leg 1977-10-22 Fractured right fibula, required surgery. Griese suffered a fractured right fibula which required immediate surgery. He missed the remainder of the season. During a game against the San Diego Chargers, Griese was hit by defensive end Louie Kelcher. Several months Underwent surgery and subsequent physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. Missed the rest of the 1977 season but returned to play in subsequent seasons. Griese remained determined and focused on recovery, showing resilience. None reported prior to this incident. Returned for the 1978 season. Severe Surgical intervention followed by physical therapy. Team doctors and orthopedic specialists. No significant long-term impact reported; continued to play at a high level. Strengthening and conditioning programs to prevent future injuries. Missed the rest of the 1977 season. Severe pain and inability to bear weight on the right leg. Moderate, due to the nature of the fracture. Support from family, teammates, and coaching staff. Team facilities and specialized rehabilitation centers.
Rib Injuries Ribs 1973-12-15 Bruised ribs, played through the pain. Despite bruised ribs, Griese continued to play, demonstrating his toughness and commitment. In a game against the Oakland Raiders, Griese was tackled and landed heavily on his ribs. Several weeks Rest and pain management; continued to play with protective padding. Continued to play but was in noticeable discomfort. Determined to continue playing despite the pain. None reported prior to this incident. Did not miss any games; played through the injury. Mild to Moderate Rest, pain management, and protective padding. Team doctors and trainers. No significant long-term impact reported. Use of protective gear. None Pain and difficulty breathing. Low to moderate, managed with protective equipment Support from medical staff and coaching team. Team facilities.
Shoulder Injuries Right Shoulder 1975-09-27 Dislocated right shoulder, missed several games. Griese's dislocated shoulder required medical attention and he missed a few games to recover. In a game against the Buffalo Bills, Griese was sacked and landed awkwardly on his right shoulder. 3-4 weeks Immobilization followed by physical therapy to restore strength and range of motion. Short-term absence from games, but returned to full functionality. Frustration due to missing games, but remained positive. None reported prior to this incident. Returned to play after approximately a month. Moderate Immobilization and physical therapy. Team doctors and physiotherapists. No long-term impact reported; continued to play effectively. Focused on shoulder strengthening exercises. Missed 3-4 games. Severe pain and inability to move the right shoulder. Moderate, due to the nature of dislocations. Support from medical staff and teammates. Team facilities.

Bob Griese's Sports Injuries Videos

Bob Griese

Bob Griese, a Purdue All-American, was Miami's top pick in 1967 and quickly became a standout quarterback. Known for his aggressive play and determination, he led the Dolphins to their first playoff appearance in 1970. Coach Don Shula praised Griese as a "thinking man's quarterback" who played a crucial role in the success of the Miami Dolphins in the 1970s. Griese, a six-time NFL Pro Bowl selection, focused on winning and led the Dolphins to seven postseason appearances, three AFC titles, and two Super Bowl championships. His career highlights include a perfect 17-0 season in 1972 and a Super Bowl VII victory over the Washington Redskins.
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The Incredible Story of Bob Griese's Flu Game | Steelers at Dolphins (1971)

On November 14, 1971, Miami Dolphins quarterback Bob Griese, despite being hospitalized with a severe stomach flu, led his team to a critical victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Initially benched due to illness, Griese replaced struggling backup George Mira with the Dolphins trailing 14-3. Despite no sleep and being fed through a tube, Griese threw three touchdown passes, including an 86-yard strike to Paul Warfield, rallying Miami from an 18-point deficit to win 24-21. This remarkable performance is considered one of the most impressive games in Griese's Hall of Fame career.
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Bob Griese Highlights

Bob Griese was a smart, efficient quarterback with solid mobility. He was like a surgeon on the field, a master chess player moving all the parts around. Despite being in the Hall of Fame, his contributions often go unnoticed. Griese was known for his ball control, leading a running team with players like Tim Kick, Mercury Morris, and Larry Csonka. He understood Don Shula's system better than anyone and was unselfish, valuing team success over individual accolades. Griese's leadership was crucial for the Dolphins, and his dual ability as a great passer and a scrambling threat created chaos for opponents' defenses.
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