Shaquem Griffin becomes first one-handed player selected in NFL draft as he joins twin brother at Seattle Seahawks
The 22-year-old has his left hand amputated at the age of four after birth defect caused fingers to not fully develop
Shaquem Griffin became the first one-handed player ever to be selected in the NFL draft on Saturday, joining his twin brother Shaquill at the Seattle Seahawks.
It was a long wait for Griffin, but the former University of Central Florida linebacker finally got the call from the Seahawks with the news that he would be the 141st overall selection in the 2018 NFL draft’s fifth round.
Griffin was born with amniotic band syndrome affecting his left hand, causing the fingers on his left hand not to fully develop and resulting in amputation of his hand at the age of four.
He has become the feel-good story this year and one of the most popular players in this draft because of his perseverance, outgoing personality and, of course, his talent.
“It’s amazing just to be here right now, I couldn’t ask for more, ” Shaquem Griffin said. “It’s been a long road coming, but I’m glad I had the opportunity to be here.
“It’s been a really good experience. I would have been crazy to turn an experience down like this. I’m just glad I was one of the selected few to be here.”