Shaquem Griffin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Shaquem Griffin

Griffin with the UCF Knights in 2017
No. 49, 53
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(1995-07-20) July 20, 1995 (age 30) St. Petersburg, Florida, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:	227 lb (103 kg)
Career information
High school:	Lakewood (St. Petersburg)
College:	UCF (2013–2017)
NFL Draft:	2018 / Round: 5 / Pick: 141
Career history
Seattle Seahawks (2018) Miami Dolphins (2021)*
Career highlights and awards
Colley Matrix national champion (2017) AAC Defensive Player of the Year (2016) Peach Bowl Defensive MVP (2018) Second-team All-American (2017) 2× First-team All-AAC (2016, 2017) American Athletic Conference Fifth Anniversary Team (2018) NCAA Inspiration Award (2019) Sports Emmy Award (2019) UCF Athletics Hall of Fame (2024)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 25 Sacks: 1.0
Player stats at PFR

Shaquem Alphonso Griffin, born on July 20, 1995, is an amazing American athlete who used to play professional football as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played for four seasons. Shaquem is the twin brother of Shaquill Griffin, and both brothers played college football together at the University of Central Florida. When Shaquem was just 4 years old, he had his left hand amputated. Despite this, he became a highly talked-about player for the 2018 NFL draft. The Seattle Seahawks chose him in the fifth round, making him the 141st player picked overall on April 28, 2018. This was a special moment because it reunited him with his brother Shaquill on the same team! Shaquem played with the Seahawks for three seasons. Later, he spent some time with the Miami Dolphins' practice squad in 2021. He decided to retire from football in 2022.

Shaquem's Early Life and Challenges

Shaquem Alphonso Griffin was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, on July 20, 1995. He arrived just moments after his twin brother, Shaquill. Shaquem was born with a condition called amniotic band syndrome. This condition affected his left hand, preventing his fingers from developing fully. The pain from this condition was very severe. To help him, his parents decided to have his left hand amputated when he was four years old.

Despite this challenge, Shaquem didn't let it stop him from playing sports! He loved competing in track, baseball, and football right alongside his brother.

High School Sports Star

Shaquem went to Lakewood High School. There, he played high school football as a safety. He was a fantastic player, helping his team reach the state semifinals in 2012. He also received many awards for his skills.

In 2013, Shaquem gained national attention. He played for the U.S. Under-19 National Team, and one of his amazing interceptions was even shown on ESPN's Top 10 Plays! Experts like Rivals and ESPN saw him as a promising football player.

Shaquem was also a talented track and field athlete for four years. He competed in events like the 4x100 relay, triple jump, shot put, and discus. He even won a state title in the triple jump and broke two school records! Because of his success, he was named the Tampa Bay Times Track and Field Athlete of the Year for his area.

College Football Journey

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes

Name	Hometown	High school / college	Height	Weight	40‡	Commit date
Shaquem Griffin Linebacker	St. Petersburg, Florida	Lakewood HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	183 lb (83 kg)	4.63
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports:    ESPN grade: 70
Overall recruiting rankings:
‡ Refers to 40 yard dash Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources:

Shaquem and his brother Shaquill both received football scholarships to the University of Central Florida (UCF). Shaquill even turned down offers from other teams, including his dream team, the Miami Hurricanes, just to play with Shaquem!

Shaquem played his entire college career at UCF. He made an impressive 17 sacks and 30 tackles for a loss. He also made some exciting plays, like an interception against the Temple Owls and recovering a fumble for a touchdown against the Austin Peay Governors in 2017.

Overcoming Challenges and Finding Success

Early in his college career, Shaquem faced some tough times. He was a second-string player but then moved to third string and even the scout team. However, things changed when Scott Frost became the head coach for the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Shaquem shared that Coach Frost gave him the chance he had been waiting for, and he made the most of it!

Shaquem's hard work paid off. In 2016, he was named the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He also earned the Defensive MVP award at the 2018 Peach Bowl. During his senior year, UCF had an amazing undefeated season and won a national championship!

Shaquem stayed at UCF one season longer than Shaquill. This was because Shaquem had a "redshirt" year, meaning he practiced but didn't play in games during his first year. Shaquill was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2017, while Shaquem finished his final year at UCF.

After college, Shaquem received the 2019 NCAA Inspiration Award. This award honors athletes who have shown incredible strength and inspiration when dealing with big life challenges.

Professional Football Career

Impressive NFL Combine Performance

Even though he didn't get an invitation at first, Shaquem Griffin participated in the NFL Scouting Combine in March 2018. He amazed everyone by doing 20 reps on the bench press while wearing a special prosthesis. He also ran the 40-yard dash in an incredible 4.38 seconds! This was the fastest time for a linebacker since the NFL started keeping official records.

Shaquem received a special invitation to the 2018 NFL draft. This was a big deal because he would be the first player with one hand ever drafted into the NFL. His story received a lot of attention from the media and on social media.

Playing for the Seattle Seahawks

Shaquem (right) and Shaquill Griffin (left) celebrating with D. J. Reed during a 2020 game at FedExField

On April 28, 2018, the Seattle Seahawks selected Shaquem in the fifth round of the draft. This pick reunited him with his twin brother, Shaquill, which was a dream come true for them! Shaquem signed a four-year contract with the Seahawks on May 17, 2018.

Shaquem made his preseason debut on August 9, 2018. He quickly showed his talent by leading his team in tackles. He continued to impress throughout the preseason. In his very first NFL regular season game on September 9, 2018, Shaquem started as a linebacker. He finished his rookie season having played in all 16 games and making 11 total tackles. He also played an important role on the team's special teams.

In the 2019 season, Shaquem played in all 16 games again. He continued to be a key player on special teams and also contributed to the defense. During the playoffs that year, he even recorded a sack against star quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

In 2020, Shaquem was briefly waived by the Seahawks but quickly re-signed to their practice squad. He was soon promoted back to the active roster. That season, he recorded another sack against Sam Darnold and finished with one sack, nine total tackles, and one pass defended in 14 games. He remained a valuable player on special teams.

Time with the Miami Dolphins

On July 23, 2021, Shaquem signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins. He was later waived and then re-signed to their practice squad before being released in October 2021.

Retirement from Football

On August 24, 2022, Shaquem Griffin announced his retirement from professional football after four seasons. He shared his decision in an article for The Players' Tribune. Shaquem joined the NFL Legends Community, where he now helps mentor current and former players.

Career Statistics

NFL Regular Season Stats

NFL Postseason Stats

Personal Life and Achievements

In high school, Shaquem received several special awards. These included the United States Achievement Academy Student of Excellence Award and the Mike June Courage Award. The mayor of St. Petersburg even gave him a "key to the city"!

Shaquem and his twin brother, Shaquill, also started a track club in their hometown of St. Petersburg. This shows their dedication to sports and their community.

Works

• Shaquem Griffin & Shaquill Griffin with Mark Schlabach, Inseparable: How Family and Sacrifice Forged a Path to the NFL. (2019) ISBN: 978-0-7852-3081-6.