VIDEO: Shaquem Griffin 2020 Highlights (HD) * 2023
VIDEO: Shaquem Griffin 2020 Highlights (HD) * 2023

He says “Football was always plan-B”

Linebacker Shaquem Griffin announced his retirement from the NFL on August 24, 2022, writing for The Players’ Tribune that he is looking to help others as part of the NFL Legends Community.

Griffin, who had his left hand amputated at the age of 4 for amniotic band syndrome, a congenital condition. Became the first player with one hand to be selected in the modern-era NFL draft when the Seattle Seahawks took him in the fifth round of 2018. That move reunited him with his twin brother, Shaquill, then the Seahawks’ starting cornerback. The NFL congratulated Griffin on his retirement, posting via Twitter that he was a “true inspiration.”

Shaquem Griffin was released by the Seahawks in 2020 and said Wednesday that his brother stayed with him and missed practice the next day. His biggest concern was how he would be perceived. “I didn’t want people to think, ‘Wow, one handed guy got cut off.’ I don’t like pity. I don’t like people feeling sorry for me,” she wrote. “But at no time did I think it was everything for me in the NFL.”

Born in July 20, 1995 (age 27) St. Petersburg, Florida, U.S. His childhood was spent with his twin brother Shaquill and an American football. Their father Terry trained them alongside, never making things any easier for Shaquem. They developed sportingly with the illusion of obtaining a university scholarship. But despite his skills, Shaquem raised doubts among scouts, who couldn’t help but ponder the fact that he only had one hand.

His football achievements

Griffin, was signed to the Seahawks’ practice squad after his release, and promoted to Seattle’s active roster later that season. He appeared in 46 games with the Seahawks over three seasons, adding nine tackles, three quarterback hits and one sack. Griffin also sacked Aaron Rodgers in the Divisional Round of the 2019 postseason, leading to a memorable moment of Shaquem taking down the Green Bay Packers quarterback just before Shaquill arrived, and then both brothers celebrating together.

The Seahawks congratulated Griffin on his retirement Wednesday, posting on social media: “Your story will be remembered for generations.”

He signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins last season but was released before the start of the season. He had tryouts with several clubs after that, but said he wants to play in the NFL only if he’s with his brother, who is now with the Jacksonville Jaguars after signing as a free agent last year.

Gratitude and example for others

He auditioned for the Cardinals, the Titans, and the Jets, and then got calls from Buffalo, Dallas, and Atlanta. But, after the tryout with the Jets, he realized something. All this traveling, trying out for teams, trying to stay somewhere, trying to hold on, it wasn’t what he wanted. Football had already given him so much, and all he really wanted from the sport was to play with his brother again.

Griffin said her father and brother told her that “plan-A was to go to college, get an education, and then do something that would have a positive impact on the world.” He met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at the Super Bowl and received an invitation to join the NFL Legends Community. And it was in that conversation with Goodell and other former players on the show that he realized the positive impact you can have on others.

“I know the positive effect I am having on others,” he wrote. “I’m speaking at schools and universities, speaking to football teams, and even speaking to corporate America about never doubting yourself, and relentlessly chasing your dreams. People at companies want to hear what I have to say when, in fact, I’m the one who can learn a lot from them. It’s crazy.”

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