Shaquem Griffin Is The Kind Of Role Model Every Kid Needs
Start writing a post
Student Life

Shaquem Griffin Is The Kind Of Role Model Every Kid Needs

And more people should be talking about him.

Katelynn Deal
Feb 13, 2019
Longwood
121
www.instagram.com/@seahawksnewz
Instagram via Seahawks Newz

Shaquem Griffin.

He isn't a household name just yet. Well, maybe if you're from Florida or Seattle.

If you don't know who Shaquem Griffin is, Google his name and you will see nothing but good things. I'll give you a quick synopsis:

Griffin is an NFL player who lost his left hand at a young age. At this young age, he was told everything that he couldn't do; the doctors told him playing football was one of them.

He broke all of the odds. He made it to the NFL.

Recently, at the NFL Honors, Griffin won the "Game Changer" award for his charisma and unbelievable story. During his first year in the NFL, he raised awareness for children with disabilities, ones similar to his and not. He made kids believe in themselves and proved to them that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

When he received his award, he gave a powerful and impactful speech that I believe every kid needs to hear.

Griffin said, "You know what, I wrote a speech. I don't want to say that speech. I'm honored to be here amongst you guys because I never thought I'd be here. Just seeing this, being around you guys, is amazing. Growing up as a child, being told what I couldn't do, it can weigh heavy on your heart. But I had family, I had my brothers, I had those around me, to keep my head straight, to keep my hopes high. And now I can say I'm truly blessed and I'm honored to be here in front of you. I want to say thank you to the Seahawks for giving me an opportunity to be here, thank you to the NFL organization."

Wow.

Let's digest this for a second. Imagine if every child could hear someone like Griffin say that he had family and friends to keep his head straight. Do you think they would straighten up in their seat a little bit? I say yes. Kids need to hear from professional athletes like Griffin that it is possible to beat the odds and remain humble and grateful.

I know there are so many kids in this world who could benefit from hearing this message. I urge everyone to listen below. Share it with your friends, nieces, nephews, daughters, and sons.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUH1eul00JQ

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
57027
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
125349
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
36774
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

University of Oklahoma
958539
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
family and friends
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

Beloit College
189978
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway
Photo by Abderrahmane Meftah on Unsplash

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
school life

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments