Riverhounds, captain Danny Griffin agree on new 2-year contract

The captain of the USL Championship-winning Pittsburgh Riverhounds will continue to wear the black and gold.

Danny Griffin and the Hounds agreed on a two-year contract Thursday that will keep the midfielder in Pittsburgh for the near future. The deal also includes a club option for 2028, which would make Griffin the longest-tenured player in club history by the end of the contract.

“I’m super-excited and blessed to be back. Pittsburgh has become a home to me — my home is here, my wife is from here — it’s truly a special place for us,” said Griffin, who joined the Riverhounds in 2020 as a rookie. “I’m really excited to build more on what we’ve done bringing trophies here to Pittsburgh, winning the regular-season title two years ago and winning the USL title this year, and we’re looking to add more trophies to the cabinet.”

Griffin, 27, has served as captain the past two seasons. His 191 appearances are fourth in team history, and he holds club records for 3,055 minutes played (out of 3,060) in the 2022 regular season and consecutive league matches played at 85.

In helping the Hounds to the USL Championship title this past season, Griffin had six goals and four assists. For his Hounds career, Griffin has 17 goals and 10 assists.

“Danny has been a massive part of our success over the last few years, both with his performance on the field and the leadership he brings to the group. Keeping him in Pittsburgh was a priority this offseason, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome him back,” Hounds sporting director Dan Visser said.

The Hounds have 11 players set to return and are in talks with others, according to team officials.