| Brian Griese: Career chronology 1998 April 18: After leading Michigan to a Rose Bowl victory, above, and a national championship, Griese is drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round. 1999 Aug. 30: Griese beats out Bubby Brister for the starting job. Sept. 13: In his first NFL start, Griese completes 24 of 40 passes for 270 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, but the Broncos lose 38-21 to the Dolphins, snapping Denver's 24-game home win streak. Oct. 10: After an 0-4 start, Griese gets his first victory, beating the Raiders 16-13. He drives the Broncos 63 yards to set up the winning field goal. 2000 Jan. 5: Griese has surgery on his right shoulder. Oct. 1-Nov. 5: Griese puts together the best streak of his career, throwing for 300 or more yards four times in five games. Oct. 28: Griese is arrested on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol. He later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 180 days in jail. Griese, above, had the term suspended and was placed on unsupervised probation for one year. Nov. 13: Griese suffers a shoulder separation and misses most of the season. Dec. 14: Despite missing five games, Griese is selected to the Pro Bowl. His passer rating of 102.9 leads the NFL. 2001 Jan. 10: Griese undergoes reconstructive surgery on his right shoulder. April 11: Griese signs a six-year, $38 million contract. Nov. 18: The Broncos lose to the Washington Redskins 17-10 at home as Griese, above, throws for only 114 yards. He creates a controversy when he says the team couldn't make a play without WR Rod Smith and criticizes its talent. Nov. 20: Shanahan meets with Griese and scolds him for criticizing teammates in public. Dec. 2: Griese's interception that was returned for a touchdown paves the way for the Dolphins' 21-10 victory over Denver in Miami. 2002 Jan. 6: Griese throws four interceptions in a 29-10 season-ending loss at Indianapolis. The Broncos finish 8-8 and out of the playoffs. March 19: Shanahan, above, issues a challenge to Griese. Speaking at the NFL owners meetings, Shanahan says: "We'll find out this year if he likes to be the quarterback and likes to be the underdog and likes a little pressure on him. This will be the year you find out." May 4: While attending a party, Griese trips in the driveway, is knocked out and suffers a black eye and chipped tooth. Sept. 8: Griese is nearly benched but comes back to lead a 71-yard TD drive against the Rams in a 23-16 win. Sept. 26: Griese trips over his golden retriever, Bella, and sprains his ankle. Oct. 20: In a 37-34 overtime win at Kansas City, Griese throws for a career-high 376 yards. Nov. 17: Griese suffers a knee injury in the Broncos' 31-9 victory at Seattle and misses the next two games. Dec. 22: In his final game as a Bronco, Griese throws two interceptions and has a 14.7 quarterback rating. He injures his knee and departs in the second quarter. 2003 Feb. 26: The Broncos grant Griese permission to explore trade talks with other teams. June 9: Brian signs with the Miami Dolphins Source: NFL, published reports |