Seattle Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin is used to overcoming obstacles. Passed over by many big name colleges because of a rare genetic disorder that caused him to lose his left hand, Griffin and his twin brother, Seahawks corner Shaquill Griffin, decided to commit to the University of Central Florida together.
Shaquill ended up getting drafted by Seattle after his junior season, leaving Shaquem alone for his senior year. That didn’t stop Shaquem from dominating for the Golden Knights, helping lead them to a perfect 13-0 record.
Despite the accolades, Griffin was not originally invited to the NFL combine. Concerns about his size, and his physical disability, had many wondering if he would ever make it as an NFL player.
However, Griffin was eventually given a chance to participate, and he turned a lot of heads with his performance – particularly in the 40-yard dash, where his 4.38 time not only tied his brother’s score from the previous year, but was the fastest recorded time by a linebacker since 2003.
Griffin went on to be a big part of Seattle’s special teams unit in his first NFL season, after they selected him in the fifth round of the draft to reunite him with his brother.
Now, Griffin will look to carve out a bigger role with the Seahawks – who could need some help at linebacker if they are not able to retain Mychal Kendricks and/or K.J. Wright.
