Robert Griffin III offered a blunt reality check to Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia this week. The former Heisman Trophy winner weighing in on the backlash that followed Pavia’s reaction to finishing as the runner-up for this year's running.
Pavia is noted as one of the most electric players in college football, but drew criticism after publicly blasting Heisman voters and taking shots at Indiana and winner Fernando Mendoza. The response sparked debate about maturity and public perception as Pavia prepares for the next stage of his career.
On his Outta Pocket podcast, Griffin framed his message as advice rather than condemnation.
Diego Pavia’s off field antics are hurting his draft stock. Pavia is a talented player and his teammates love playing for him, but his behavior off the field on Heisman weekend has NFL decision makers telling me they are concerned that they can trust him in the building at all. Pic.twitter.com/9io9YIfg8C
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 18, 2025
“For Diego Pavia, he has to decide how does he want to be perceived publicly and how does he want to be perceived of being his true self,” Griffin said. “Because if his true self is partying, drinking, F-everybody, F-this, F-that, he’s going to F his way out the league.”
Griffin stressed that his concern stems from Pavia’s immense talent and historic impact at Vanderbilt, a program rarely in the national spotlight. “Don’t undercut yourself, young man,” Griffin said. “Be smart.”
Griffin’s wife, Grete, also urged Pavia to think carefully about the long-term consequences of his actions, prompting Griffin to expand on what NFL teams value most.
“To be a franchise quarterback, you have to act like a franchise quarterback,” Griffin said. “If teams can’t trust that you’re going to win with grace and also lose with grace, then they don’t feel like you deserve their grace.”
While Pavia’s on-field production has never been in question, scouts already scrutinize factors such as his height. Griffin noted that adding off-field concerns only complicates the evaluation process. But the message ultimately centered on support.
“You are so talented, you have such a bright future,” Griffin said. “Make them talk about how awesome you are on the field, not how terrible or childish you are off of it.”
Pavia went on The Pivot Podcast to sell himself to NFL teams. “I can win wherever I go,” Pavia said. “I just need a chance.”
As his profile continues to rise, how Pavia responds next may matter almost as much as what he does between the lines.
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