Shaquem Griffin, NFL’s first one-handed player, retires

Former Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin has officially retired from the NFL.

After playing in the National Football League for four seasons, the free agent has now called it a day.

Coming out of the University of Central Florida after winning AAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 and second-team All-American in 2017, Griffin was drafted by Seattle in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Griffin has dealt with major challenges his whole life. Being born with amniotic band syndrome, Griffin was forced to get his left hand amputated at the age of just four.

Shaquem, who played alongside his twin brother Shaquill for three seasons in Seattle, featured in the NFL with only one hand for four incredible seasons. That’s something that’s never been done before in the NFL. He made 25 tackles and one pass deflection during his four-year career. 

The next chapter of Shaquem Griffin’s life is to work with the NFL legends community. He will lead the efforts across the country to support legends and their families after football going forward.

We wish Griffin good luck in life after professional football. Thank you for inspiring many athletes to still be their best despite what life throws at you.