Mike Shanahan says he lobbied teams on RG3's behalf

Although many believed their relationship was irreparably fractured, Mike Shanahan battled for Robert Griffin III in his time of need.

Shanahan, who coached Griffin from 2012-13 with the Washington Redskins, called teams to advocate for the former Heisman Trophy winner.

Griffin signed a two-year, $15-million contract with the Cleveland Browns on March 24 and will be presented with a genuine chance of winning the team's starting quarterback job.

Shanahan advised Los Angeles Rams head coach Jeff Fisher to take a chance on Griffin, where he ostensibly declined. Nonetheless, Shanahan's efforts didn't go unnoticed by Griffin.

"I said, 'Robert, I believe this. I'd be more than happy to talk to all the guys. Have them give me a call on your behalf,'" Shanahan said Wednesday on ESPN980 radio, according to ESPN's John Keim. "'I was with you when we did some things nobody else has ever done and you still have that opportunity if you want to go that direction. If you don't, then I think you're going to struggle.'"

Shanahan also told Griffin to choose a team that would allow him to utilize the full range of his talents, as opposed to staying in the pocket exclusively. He also said there would be some hardships incurred along the way.

"You're going to struggle," Shanahan said to Griffin. "You've got some great talent and that comes in time, but you haven't been out there the last couple years. It will take some time, but be patient and go back to the things you did great and take advantage of it just like you did as a rookie, but be all in support of whoever's out there and have some fun."

Once viewed as one of the league's most promising talents, Griffin is afforded a true shot at redemption with the Browns. If he displays the promise he showed during his prodigious rookie season, Griffin may need to thank Shanahan once again.