Shaquem Griffin

BIOGRAPHY

Shaquem Griffin was born on July, 20th 1995 in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is a linebacker in the NFL.

Shaquem Griffin is the twin brother of Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin, and both brothers played college football for the University of Central Florida Knights. As an amputee with one hand, Shaquem Griffin received extensive media coverage as a prospective 2018 NFL Draft pick. He was selected as a fifth-round pick (141st overall) by the Seahawks on April 28, 2018, reuniting him with Shaquill.

Shaquem and his brother Shaquill were both offered football scholarships at the University of Central Florida (UCF) by then-coach George O'Leary, with Shaquill rejecting offers from other teams including the Miami Hurricanes, his dream team, to play with Shaquem. Griffin spent his whole college career at UCF, totaling 17 sacks and 30 tackles for a loss. Notable plays also include an interception versus the Temple Owls and a fumble recovery for a touchdown versus the Austin Peay Governors, both during the 2017 season.

Griffin was named the 2018 Peach Bowl Defensive MVP and was the 2016 American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. In Griffin's senior season, UCF went undefeated and subsequently claimed a controversial national championship. Griffin told Ralph Warner and NFL Network in November 2017 that he planned to continue his football career in the NFL.

Despite the fact that he was not projected as a first-round pick, Griffin received an invitation to the 2018 NFL Draft, which he accepted on March 29, 2018. Griffin received serious media attention, as he would have been the first one-handed player drafted into the NFL if chosen. On May 17, 2018, Griffin signed a four-year deal worth $2.8 million with $300,000 guaranteed for the Seattle Seahawks after being drafted.

On August 9, 2018, Griffin made his preseason debut against the Indianapolis Colts in CenturyLink Field, leading his team in tackles with six solo tackles and three assisted tackles. On August 30, 2018, he again led the team in tackles with four solo and three assisted tackles in the final week of the preseason against the Oakland Raiders. Griffin led the Seahawks in total tackles for the entire 2018 NFL preseason with fifteen, tied with fellow linebacker Austin Calitro. On September 9, 2018, Griffin was named as a starter in the first game of his NFL career due to veteran linebacker K. J. Wright being unable to play. He made three solo tackles in the 27–24 loss to the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium. In the Divisional Round of the playoffs in the 2019 season, Griffin recorded one sack on Aaron Rodgers during the 28–23 loss.

On July 23, 2021, Griffin agreed to a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins. 

On August 24, 2022, Griffin announced his retirement from football after four seasons. Shaquem stated that football was always his Plan B in life, his Plan A was to go to college and get an education as well as do something that would make a positive impact on the world. Griffin was given an invitation by Roger Goodell to join the NFL Legends Community. It was at this time that he realized the effect he can have on others. He started speaking at colleges and universities, speaking to football teams and putting emphasis on the key message of never doubting yourself and always pursuing your dreams. He will continue his ultimate goal of making a positive impact on the world off the football field.