The Seattle Seahawks drafted a one-handed linebacker in the fifth round on Saturday.
Shaquem Griffin had his left hand amputated when he was just 4 years old because of a rare condition called amniotic band syndrome. But that didn’t stop him from working hard and pursuing his dreams and ultimately becoming a star at the University of Central Florida. Additionally, he was named AAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2016.
According to NFL.com, he’s the first one-handed player to be drafted in the MODERN, Super Bowl era. Ellis Jones was the first one-handed player to be drafter overall, when he was chosen by a team called the Boston Yanks in 1945.
Oh! And, Shaquem’s twin brother Shaquill also plays for the Seahawks. He’s a cornerback, and he was selected in the third round last year.
Shaquem posted a pic of him and his brother on Instagram, saying “The best experience of my life and I was able to experience it with my family. Can’t wait to move in with my brother.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiMwyF2lsPf/?taken-by=shaquem_griffin