Griese's early years with the Broncos were marked by a period of learning and adaptation. Initially serving as a backup to John Elway, he had the opportunity to observe and learn from one of the game's greats. After Elway's retirement, Griese stepped into the starting quarterback role in 1999. That season, he demonstrated his potential by throwing for over 3,000 yards and 14 touchdowns, earning him a spot in the Pro Bowl.
In the following years, Griese's performance with the Broncos was a mix of highs and lows. He showed flashes of brilliance, such as in the 2000 season when he threw for 19 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions, but also faced challenges with injuries and consistency. His tenure with the Broncos ended after the 2002 season, when he was released by the team.
Griese's next chapter took him to the Miami Dolphins in 2003. His time in Miami was brief and marked by competition for the starting position. He played in five games, starting in six, and threw for 5 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. The Dolphins released him after just one season.
In 2004, Griese signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During his time with the Buccaneers, he experienced a resurgence. In the 2004 season, he played in 11 games, starting 10, and threw for 20 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. His performance helped stabilize the Buccaneers' quarterback situation, and he remained with the team for two seasons before being released in 2006.
Griese returned to the Chicago Bears in 2006, a team he had briefly joined earlier in his career. With the Bears, he served primarily as a backup but stepped into the starting role during the 2007 season. He played in 13 games, starting six, and threw for 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His experience and leadership were valuable assets to the team, even as he faced competition for the starting job.
In 2008, Griese returned to the Buccaneers for his final season in the NFL. He played in five games, starting in four, and threw for 3 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. After the 2008 season, Griese retired from professional football.
Throughout his career, Brian Griese was known for his intelligence on the field and his ability to manage games effectively.
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