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Many remember the 2018 NFL Combine and the inspiration that is Shaquem Griffin. A one-handed player that posted a 20-rep bench press using a prosthetic and clocked a 4.38 seconds 40-yard dash time. Thereafter, Shaquem became the first one-handed player ever drafted and played 3 seasons for the Seattle Seahawks alongside his twin brother who was drafted the year prior.
Shaquem was born with amniotic band syndrome on his left hand and lived with it until he was 4 years old. However, the condition left Shaquem with extremely sensitive finger tissue and his mother decided to have his hand amputated after catching him in the kitchen knife drawer attempting to remove it. Against all odds, Shaquem has been nothing but an example of grit and possibility. He has overcome so much ever since he was a child; from naysayers to opposing coaches, Shaquem has always looked his haters in their eyes with unshakable resolve.
On August 24th, 2022, Shaquem Griffin announced his retirement and wrote in his Players’ Tribune piece that, “Football was always Plan B… Plan A was to go to college, get an education and do something that would make a positive impact in the world." It was a meeting with the NFL commissioner at last year’s Super Bowl that led to his new role as a member of the NFL Legends Community, a peer-to-peer platform that will allow him to encourage, motivate, and share his story with others. He discovered his purpose in that meeting and will hang up his cleats for speaking engagements where he can create change and positive impact on communities everywhere.
“It’s ok to not be ok,” Shaquem said in an interview with I Am Athlete on SiriusXM Radio. He continued to thank his family and the value system that he grew up in which has influenced his attitude and allowed him to be vulnerable throughout the process. In turn, he shares his truth to shed light on the mental aspects of football and life in general.
Top Form congratulates Shaquem on his retirement as an NFL player and we look forward to his endless effect on the lives of people and athletes all over the world.
@Shaquemgriffin
