NFL Rumors: Washington Redskins' Robert Griffin III Slams Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning

Aug 20, 2015 09:56 AM EDT

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III finds himself in the spotlight following an interview he had where he proclaimed himself to be the "best quarterback in the league." Taking into consideration the other NFL quarterbacks touted to be the most notable in the said position, it appears that the Washington Redskins star believes himself to be a cut above the rest.

In the latest round of reports, however, Robert Griffin III looks to be backpedaling his claims and is now accusing the media of twisting his words to take on a completely different meaning.

"I feel like I'm the best quarterback in the league," the Washington Redskins quarterback said in an interview with WJLA-TV over the weekend via ESPN. He went on to say, "I have to go out and show that. Any athlete at any level, if they concede to someone else, they're not a top competitor, they're not trying to be the best that they can be."

Robert Griffin III further said that he refuses to see himself not playing at par with the other quarterbacks in the NFL - presumably referring to Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos. Citing his hard work and dedication as the major factors on his ability to remain as the "best" NFL quarterback at this point, the Washington Redskins star shares that he has no intention of slowing down anytime soon.

Mere hours following the publication of the report regarding his claims, the Washington Redskins quarterback was vilified and ridiculed by the fans and followers of other NFL teams. This pushed Robert Griffin III to clarify his statements, albeit unapologetic over the fact that he claimed to be the best in the NFL. He said, "I know what I meant. I think everyone in this circle [of reporters] knows what I meant." The Washington Redskins further said, "I know what I want to be, and I know what I strive to be. I'm not going to make any apologies for that."

Apart from comparing himself to the other quarterbacks in the NFL, the Washington Redskins star said that his second year with coach Jay Gruden will show the public more ease in terms of their working relationship. Robert Griffin III also disclosed that the increased familiarity he now has with Gruden and the system implemented in the gameplays of the Washington Redskins provided him with more opportunities to improve his skills and perform better.

"You see the Tom Bradys, the Aaron Rodgers, the Peyton Mannings of this league -- [they've had] the same coaches, the same system, and they can grow within that system -- and that's what we're looking to build," shared the Washington Redskins quarterback in an interview with ESPN. He added, "We definitely feel that that's something we want to do, obviously, because we want to be successful for a long time."