AUSTIN, Texas -- Robert Griffin III says his surgically repaired right knee is improving and he will "be ready" to play. It's just a matter of when.

The Washington Redskins quarterback was at the Texas Capitol on Tuesday and he told The Associated Press he'll be ready to return play when it's time.

Robert Griffin III, who was honored by Texas lawmakers on the Senate floor Tuesday, told the AP that his knee is "doing good" and he'll be ready to play this season. Robert Rogers/Baylor Marketing & Communications

"It's doing good," he said of his knee during a brief interview in a Capitol hallway.

Griffin won the 2011 Heisman Trophy at Baylor before the Redskins made him the No. 2 overall pick, and he led the team to the NFC East title last season and its first playoff appearance in five years. Coach Mike Shanahan said Monday that Griffin's muscles are stronger than expected at this stage following January surgery to repair two knee ligaments.

Dressed in a pink tie and a dark gray three-piece suit, Griffin appeared before both chambers of the Texas Legislature for resolutions honoring his career.

Sen. Kirk Watson, one of four Baylor graduates in the Senate, said the university will offer a scholarship to quarterbacks in Griffin's name.

"He has Texans cheering for the Washington Redskins," said Watson, a Democrat from Austin. "I never thought I would see the day."

Sen. Royce West, a lawyer who has represented Dallas Cowboys players in criminal matters, had some fun with Griffin.

"RG, I don't like you," joked West, a Democrat from Dallas. "You turned my father against the Dallas Cowboys."

Football affiliations aside, Griffin's appearance drew bipartisan support. Sen. Dan Patrick, a Republican from Houston, said: "We pray for your recovery and a long career."

In addition to Griffin's speed, arm strength and passing accuracy, the Senate resolution officially praised his "cerebral approach to the game."

That much was on display. Asked by a reporter when he will return to the football field, Griffin said, "I'll be ready."

He did not actually say when.