[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 192 (Wednesday, December 14, 2011)] [House] [Page H8907] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONGRATULATING ROBERT GRIFFIN, III The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Flores) for 5 minutes. Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a constituent of Texas District 17. His name is Robert Griffin, III, of Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and he is the recipient of the 2011 Heisman Memorial Trophy. The son of two U.S. Army sergeants, RG3, as he is more popularly known, epitomizes what it means to be a student athlete and a role model for all Americans. During the Baylor Bears' 2011 season, Robert threw for nearly 4,000 yards and had 45 touchdowns. His 72 percent completion rate placed him among the most accurate passers in the Nation, and he was the only player in the country who had at least 3,300 passing yards and 300 rushing yards. {time} 1030 He is one of only three players in Football Bowl Subdivision history with 10,000 career passing yards and 2,000 career rushing yards. He owns or shares 30 Baylor football records. Among his awards and accolades in 2011 were the Chic Harley Award for the National Player of the Year, the Big 12 Player of the Year, first team All-American, the Davey O'Brien Award, and, of course, the 77th annual Heisman Memorial Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding player in college football each year. He did all of this while leading the Bears to their first nine-win regular season since 1986 and a berth in the Alamo Bowl in 2011. What makes Robert such an excellent role model is that his success at Baylor has not only been on the field. Robert graduated from Baylor in 3 years with a 3.67 GPA and a degree in political science. He is currently in graduate school pursuing a master's in communication and plans to attend law school in the future. He is a six-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll and a two-time Dean's List honoree. This year, he was named second team Academic All-American. Robert is also very active in his community, regularly volunteering for several charities in the Waco area. Robert is also a world-class hurdler, and he hopes to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Team. I am personally proud of RG III because he is a fine Christian man and publicly professes his faith in God. I also want to congratulate Baylor University and football coach Art Briles on a great 2011 football season. As Coach Briles says, ``great things come with great effort,'' and the Baylor Nation should be justifiably proud of their football team and coaching staff for their great effort this year. Before I close, I would like to wish all Americans a safe and fulfilling Christmas season and holiday season. I ask that all of us continue to pray for our country and our military men and women during these difficult times. Sic 'em, Bears. ____________________