ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Howard Griffith, starting fullback on the Denver Broncos' Super Bowl-winning teams in 1997 and 1998, announced his retirement Wednesday.
Griffith, 34, is the only fullback in NFL history to block for five different 1,000-yard rushers. In Denver, he opened holes for Terrell Davis, Olandis Gary and Mike Anderson.
Griffith started 56 of the 59 games he played for the Broncos, but spent the entire 2001 season on injured reserve after suffering a neck injury in training camp. His retirement becomes official following the Super Bowl.
"Howard was the consummate team man," Broncos general manager Neal Dahlen said. "He was a consistent, tough football player who was responsible for a lot of the yards that the tailbacks gained. He was a good leader in the locker room, represented the team concept and exemplified the commitment to winning as a team."
Griffith scored two touchdowns in Denver's 34-19 win over Atlanta in Super Bowl XXXIII.
Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1991, he rushed for 351 yards and three touchdowns in 121 NFL games, including 87 starts. He also caught 123 passes for 850 yards and nine touchdowns.
The other 1,000-yard rushers for whom Griffith blocked were Jerome Bettis with the Los Angeles Rams and Anthony Johnson of the Carolina Panthers.
