What happened to Shaquem Griffin? Revisiting one-handed linebacker’s stunning Combine

Linebacker Shaquem Griffin made heads turn during the 2018 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Griffin's twin brother Shaquill, an NFL cornerback, was born with only one hand due to a rare condition.

While his mother, Tangie Griffin, was pregnant, doctors discovered that a fibrous strand of the amniotic membrane had wrapped around Shaquem's left wrist, commonly referred to as amniotic band syndrome. If doctors had tried to resolve the issue with Shaquem, then it could have been dangerous for Shaquill, so they decided to wait.

As a baby and small child, Shaquem Griffin had severe pain in his left hand that would shoot up his arm. He had his left hand amputated at just four years old after the excruciating pain became too much.

After playing at UCF, he was invited to the 2018 NFL Combine, where he used a prosthetic to compete in the bench press, where he did 20 reps. He then ran the 40 yard dash in 4.38 seconds, which was the fastest time by a linebacker since the 2013 NFL Combine.

He was then drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, once again joining his brother and playing for the same team.

Does Shaquem Griffin still play in the NFL?

Shaquem Griffin played three seasons in the National Football League for the Seattle Seahawks. He played a total of 46 games during that time, with nine tackles, three quarterback hits and one sack.

After the 2020 NFL season, he was released by the Seahawks and signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins in 2021. He spent the beginning of the 2021 season on the Dolphins' practice squad before being released.

In August 2022, he announced his retirement from the NFL. While announcing his retirement, he also shared the news of what his next chapter will entail. He announced that he has accepted a position from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and will work with the NFL Legends Community.

The NFL Legends Community works with retired and current NFL players to ensure that they get the resources and assistance they need. Whether it's overall guidance, mental health counseling, or even assistance in trying to create community initiatives in their cities.

The former linebacker is now a resource in the National Football League and continues to inspire others as he did during his playing days.