Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden has called on Robert Griffin III to give himself more protection in the coming NFL season.

Griffin has been known to like watching his own plays, with such a reputation contributing to his 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, but his coach has called on the player to protect himself better to ensure that he staves off injury.

"It's something we have to continue to talk to him about — how important he is to this team and this franchise. When he gets out of the pocket, he needs to protect himself," said Gruden, according to The AP.

"He's had a habit in his career of being able to get himself out of those predicaments with his speed and his athleticism.

"But here it's a 16-game season, with the great talent across the league in the NFL, [and] he's got to pick his shots and learn how to get down a little bit better."

The new NFL season is due to get underway in September.