Joshua Griffin is Southern University’s football kicker and a dedicated student-athlete balancing dual majors in Criminal Justice and Engineering. He advises fellow students to stay focused and present, making the most of every moment. “Be mindful of your time and how you spend it,” he says. “Enjoy your time while you have it, but also ensure you’re building towards something.”
Growing up in Vicksburg, Mississippi, a small town just outside of Jackson, Griffin credits his hometown’s close-knit community for fostering his determination. He shared, “Being from a small town where everyone knows each other, I always felt the drive to push beyond and make the most of my opportunities. I want to exceed every expectation.”
Griffin’s journey to becoming a kicker began early. He initially focused on soccer, but his athleticism easily transitioned to football in junior high. “I was always into sports. My parents wanted to keep me busy, so I played almost every sport. Soccer was big for me, but when I got to junior high, I started kicking for the football team. It just took off from there,” he recalls. While excelling in soccer, he shifted to football in high school when the team needed a kicker. He stepped up and quickly made his mark, becoming the team’s kicker by his junior year and laying the groundwork for his collegiate football career.
Griffin’s football journey at Southern University has been remarkable. He started primarily with kickoffs in his freshman year and expanded to field goals by his sophomore year. Now, he is a key player on the SU football team.
Balancing two demanding fields of study with athletics has not been easy, but Griffin’s disciplined approach is evident. “I came in as an engineering major and then added criminal justice to help with my GPA. I was making progress in both, so I thought, why not pursue degrees in both areas?” His commitment extends beyond academics and athletics; he is also a dedicated community advocate.
As a member of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Griffin participates in outreach initiatives, including reading to students in classrooms and spending time with children in hospitals. “I love working with kids…it’s humbling and brings you down to earth,” he says of his volunteer work. Off the field, Griffin has a deep passion for self-improvement and community involvement. He serves on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, representing the voice of athletes, and also participates in Athlete for Hope, a program focused on community service. Joshua is determined to give back, especially to the youth, and his ambitions extend beyond football.
When asked for advice for underclassmen, Griffin emphasizes the importance of seizing every opportunity. “There’s so much I didn’t know when I came in, like career fairs and career services. I’d advise freshmen to learn about these resources early but also enjoy their time here,” he advises. He encourages them to “get out of your comfort zone and network. I was in my bubble at first, but once I opened up, I realized how many opportunities were out there.”
After college, he plans to pursue the NFL draft. If that path gets delayed, he intends to focus on his engineering career, potentially relocating to a place like California to broaden his horizons. Having grown up in a small town, Joshua is determined to explore the world and break the mold of staying comfortable and returning home after graduation. His drive to exceed expectations and commitment to personal growth define his character on and off the field.
For Griffin, life is about growth, connection, and making a difference; a testament to his journey as an athlete and a scholar at Southern University.
