Connor Casey

Mansfield News Journal

LEXINGTON - Two-time Heisman trophy winner and Ohio State football legend Archie Griffin will serve as the grand marshal for this Sunday's Honda Indy 200 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

"We are incredibly excited to have Archie Griffin as our 2017 grand marshal," Mid-Ohio president Craig Rust said in a press release on Wednesday. "While his accomplishments on the football field were tremendous, it is his impact on the central Ohio community and beyond through his professional career and public service that make him so special. He's a great Ohioan, and we're proud to have him be a part of the Honda Indy 200."

As grand marshal, Griffin will take part in various pre-race activities and begin the race with the ceremonial "Drivers, start your engines!" announcement.

According to a press release, Griffin was brought in as grand marshal thanks to IndyCar driver and Ohio's own Graham Rahal.

"It's great to have Archie Griffin as the grand marshal," Rahal said. "He is an icon in our city, our state and around this country. He's the only two-time Heisman winner and a great Buckeye. I have met him before several times as has my dad and I'm looking forward to seeing him at the Honda Indy 200!"

The 2017 Honda Indy 200 will broadcast live on CNBC at 3 p.m. on Sunday. The race starts at 3:40 p.m.

ccasey@gannett.com

Twitter: @ConnorCasey_MNJ