Perhaps the biggest Cinderella story of the NFL is Shaquem Griffin. A former Central Florida linebacker, Griffin has defined all odds, showcasing one of the most impressive combines in over a decade.
Putting on a clinic, Griffin turned heads and showed the talent was real. Running a 4.38 40-yard dash, the fastest by any linebacker since 2003, and lifting 225lbs for 20 reps on bench press, it proved he belongs. His goal coming into the combine was six reps. His previous max was 11 reps. Throughout the country, NFL players took notice. Players like Antonio Brown and Richard Sherman both tweeted out impressed with the performance and speed of Griffin.
The story all began when he was a child. Griffin was born with a congenital condition which ultimately led to the amputation of his left hand at age four. Griffin and his family made the decision because of the ongoing pain he felt.
During his time at UCF, he was AAC defensive player of the year and Peach Bowl defensive MVP. In his senior season, Griffin recorded 74 tackles, seven sacks, and one interception.
His journey to the top wasn’t easy. In his first two seasons, he only saw the field three times. Being recruited by UCF with his twin brother Shaquill Griffin, now Seattle Seahawks cornerback, he thought it was time to give up. He started to think football wasn’t the path for him. He got his opportunity when Scott Frost took over the program in 2016, converting him from cornerback to linebacker.
Being a freshman and sophomore, he was frustrated, but he trusted the process and it worked out in his favor.
He started to realize all the obstacles, and struggles growing up were paying off.
In a league where everyone is bigger, faster, and stronger, Griffin’s attitude will take him a long way. He is at the level where he is evaluated equally as everyone else, something he’s always wanted.
In a world where people are so quick to judge, Griffin has taken a limitation and turned it into the most inspiring, and uplifting story in sports. He has created a following, and a fan base that is cheering for nothing but success. He is on the verge of breaking a barrier, and doing something that has never been done before.
All the while, he has been a great brother, teammate, and an example of what it means to not give up, and why to always chase dreams.
