Former Virginia Tech football player Dan Griffith shines on ‘American Idol’
BLACKSBURG, Va. (BVM) – It is no surprise when an athlete shows off a hidden talent. While many are viewed and praised as goliaths on their field, dominating their respective sports, people will often find stories told about how an athlete is exceptionally good at something else like art or juggling. Former Virginia Tech football player Dan Marshall Griffith showed off his hidden talent in front of the entire country, as his audition on American Idol aired on March 20.
"The Dance" by @garthbrooks 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 @_DanMarshall
𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛: https://t.co/PsECIXK5va#AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/sSuyDUv2a1
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) March 21, 2022
After mentioning he had only performed in front of people for roughly four or five months, Griffith sang Garth Brooks’ song “The Dance” in front of American Idol judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan for his opportunity to make it to the competition’s next round. While there were some things to be corrected, as there usually are, the judges came away impressed with Richie saying Griffith had “natural talent” and Perry saying “the foundation is secure.” With that, all three judges voted to send the former Hokie to Hollywood for the competitions next round.
We’ve got a storyteller on our hands! @_DanMarshall #AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/uMdOxSGW1h
— Lionel Richie (@LionelRichie) March 21, 2022
For Griffith, the journey has been a unique one to say the least. Prior to his time in Blacksburg, Griffith was a standout linebacker for both Western Branch High School and Nansemond Suffolk Academy, where he transferred to his senior year. During his time at Western Branch, Griffith was used on both sides of the ball as a quarterback and linebacker and would help lead his team to a 17-3 record with two playoff appearances. As a senior for the Saints, Griffith would play on the defensive side of the ball where he would rack up 56 tackles and eight sacks in just under six games due to injury, but would help lead the team to a state title with a 15 tackle, four sack performance in the championship game.
After being selected as a second team all-state linebacker and to the Nike All-Star team, Griffith earned a No. 45 ranking for players in the region. This helped earn the senior a walk-on opportunity with the Hokies where he would commit prior to his graduation in 2016.
Though not a starter at any point during his Virginia Tech career, Griffith would carve out a critical role as a core special teamer for the Hokies. The linebacker would play four years and play in 37 career games during his time in Blacksburg. The Hokies would go 33-20 during his four years on campus beginning with the 2016-17 season and ending after the 2019-20 season.
Griffith’s singing career in front of people started when he sang at his grandfather’s memorial service during the summer of 2020. After he gained the confidence to sing in front of others, Griffith began to post his singing onto TikTok where he posted his first cover of “Neon Moon” by Brooks and Dunn on May 6, 2021. Today, Griffith’s TikTok page has over 44,000 followers.
With his American Idol journey not over yet, Hokies fans will likely show up in droves to support their new favorite singer. Like many athletes before him, Griffith is a man of many talents. Though his singing skills were hidden before, they are now out in the open for the whole country to see and fans of both music and football will be able to cheer on the singer as he begins his musical career.
Tune in tonight & you might just see one of our Hokies on your tv 👀 https://t.co/Dj1Pi3buSW pic.twitter.com/kUYqVx04dn
— Virginia Tech Football (@HokiesFB) March 20, 2022
