Shaquem Griffin, a linebacker primarily known for his time with the Seattle Seahawks has announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday via The Players' Tribune.
Football was always Plan B." Griffin said. "Plan A was to go to college, get an education and do something that would make a positive impact in the world.
Griffin, who was selected 141st overall in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, was known for being an uplifting player that went through a lot of hardship to play in the league. He had his left hand amputated at the age of four due to a congenital condition called amniotic band syndrome and became the first player with one hand to be drafted in the NFL's modern era.
The 27-year-old also played alongside his twin brother Shaquill Griffin, who was Seattle's left cornerback at the time.
The NFL took to twitter to congratulate Griffin on his inspiring journey.
Shaquem Griffin showed the world anything is possible at the 2018 Combine.
— NFL (@NFL) August 24, 2022
A true inspiration. Congrats on your retirement, @Shaquemgriffin. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/zH6yXV0q1O
Griffin was waived by Seattle in 2020, he was then signed to their practice squad and later promoted to the Seahawks active roster later that season. In his three seasons, he suited up for 46 games and posted nine tackles, three quarterback hits, and completed a sack.
Last season, Griffin signed with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent but was released before the season began. He participated in several tryouts with other clubs but decided to hang it up for good. Griffin noted in his written piece that he he only wanted to play with his brother Shaquill, who signed with the Jacksonsville Jaguars this past offseason as a free agent.
All this traveling around, working out for teams, trying to catch on somewhere, trying to hang on -- it wasn't what I wanted." He said. "Football had already given me so much, and the only thing I really wanted from the game was to play with my brother again.
Photo Credit: © Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
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