Griffing's career in football began as a player at the University of Illinois, where he played as a halfback. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, taking up a position at his alma mater. His coaching career was short-lived, however, as he soon moved into administrative roles.
In 1960, Griffing was appointed as the General Manager of the Denver Broncos, a newly formed team in the AFL. His tenure at the Broncos was marked by a series of significant decisions that shaped the team's early years. He was instrumental in assembling the team's initial roster, which included several notable players who would go on to have successful careers in the AFL and NFL.
Griffing's tenure at the Broncos was also marked by his innovative approach to player recruitment. He was known for his ability to identify and recruit talented players from smaller colleges and universities, a strategy that helped the Broncos compete against teams with larger budgets and more established scouting networks.
Despite his success in building the Broncos' roster, Griffing's tenure as General Manager was not without controversy. He was often at odds with the team's ownership, and his aggressive approach to player recruitment and contract negotiations led to several disputes with players and other teams in the AFL.
In 1961, Griffing left the Broncos and took up a position with the New York Titans, another team in the AFL. His tenure at the Titans was short-lived, however, and he soon left the team and the AFL.
Despite his relatively short career in football administration, Griffing left a lasting impact on the sport. His innovative approach to player recruitment and his role in the formation and development of the AFL helped shape the modern landscape of American football.
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