Shaquem Griffin is an NFL linebacker who has played for the Seattle Seahawks and the Miami Dolphins. When he was drafted in the 5th round of the 2018 NFL Draft by Seattle, Griffin made history- he was the first player with only one hand to be drafted in the history of the NFL. Griffin was born with amniotic band syndrome affecting his left hand, which caused his fingers to not fully develop. At the age of four, Griffin had his left hand amputated. Despite that, he continued to star in track, basketball, and football alongside his twin brother Shaquill, who is older than him by less than two minutes. In 2017, both brothers accepted scholarship offers at the University of Central Florida. Shaquill starred right away and was drafted by Seattle in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Shaquem, who redshirted his freshman year, stayed in college for the 2018 season and flourished under head coach Scott Frost. He was part of UCF's undefeated 2017-18 season and was named the 2018 Peach Bowl Defensive MVP. Later that year, after recording the fastest 40-yard dash time for a linebacker (4.38) in NFL Combine History, Shaquem was drafted by the Seahawks. He signed a 4-year deal and was an important player for Seattle, notably recording a sack on Aaron Rodgers in the 2019 divisional playoffs. In July of 2021, Griffin agreed to a one-year deal with Miami.
