He sustained a multitude of injuries and shared the starting role with quarterbacks Morrall, Don Strock, and David Woodley, but finally in 1980, against the Baltimore Colts, Griese sustained a shoulder injury that would prompt him to retire at the end of the season.
In 1980, during a game against the Baltimore Colts, Griese sustained a shoulder injury that led to him retiring from the football team. He had previously shared the starting quarterback role with Morrall, Don Strock, and David Woodley throughout the season.