History of Shaquem Griffin in Timeline

Shaquem Griffin is a retired American football player known for his time as a linebacker in the NFL. He had a successful four-season career despite facing a unique challenge: he had his left hand amputated at a young age. Griffin's perseverance and talent made him an inspiring figure in the world of sports.

July 20, 1995: Birth of Shaquem Griffin

On July 20, 1995, Shaquem Alphonso Griffin was born. He would go on to have a remarkable football career.

2011: Shaquem Griffin Attends Under Armour Combine

In 2011, Shaquem Griffin attended the Under Armour Combine, showcasing his skills as a high school football player.

2012: Shaquem Griffin Achieves Recognition in High School Football

In 2012, Shaquem Griffin helped Lakewood reach the Florida 5A regional semifinals. He also earned Second Team 5A All-State and Tampa Bay Times Second Team All-Suncoast honors and played in the Florida Athletic Coaches Association North-South All-Star Game.

2012: Shaquem Griffin Receives Key to the City

In 2012, Shaquem Griffin was honored with the "key to the city" by the St. Petersburg mayor during his high school years.

2013: Shaquem Griffin Selected for U.S. Under-19 National Team

In 2013, Shaquem Griffin was selected for the U.S. Under-19 National Team. His performance, including an interception that landed on ESPN's Top 10 Plays, earned him national attention.

2016: Scott Frost Becomes Head Coach at UCF

Scott Frost was hired as the head coach for UCF in 2016, marking a turning point in Shaquem Griffin's college career.

2016: Shaquem Griffin Named AAC Defensive Player of the Year

Shaquem Griffin was named the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2016.

November 2017: Shaquem Griffin Announces NFL Aspirations

In November 2017, Shaquem Griffin announced his intention to pursue a career in the NFL.

2017: Notable Plays by Shaquem Griffin at UCF

During the 2017 season at UCF, Shaquem Griffin made several notable plays, including an interception against the Temple Owls and a fumble recovery for a touchdown against the Austin Peay Governors.

2017: Shaquem Griffin Thrives Under Coach Frost

Shaquem Griffin credited Coach Frost for his resurgence in the 2017 season, acknowledging the opportunity he was given to excel.

2017: Shaquill Griffin Drafted by Seattle Seahawks

Shaquill Griffin, Shaquem's twin brother, was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

March 2018: Shaquem Griffin Impresses at NFL Scouting Combine

In March 2018, Shaquem Griffin participated in the NFL Scouting Combine. He garnered significant attention by completing 20 reps in the bench press using a prosthesis and clocking a fast 40-yard dash time of 4.38 seconds, the fastest for a linebacker since official statistics have been released.

March 29, 2018: Shaquem Griffin Accepts NFL Draft Invitation

On March 29, 2018, Shaquem Griffin accepted an invitation to the 2018 NFL Draft. His potential to be the first one-handed player drafted generated widespread media coverage.

April 28, 2018: Shaquem Griffin Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks

On April 28, 2018, Shaquem Griffin was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks, reuniting him with his brother Shaquill. This was a highly publicized event, as he was a prospective draft pick despite having only one hand.

May 17, 2018: Shaquem Griffin Signs with Seattle Seahawks

On May 17, 2018, Shaquem Griffin signed a four-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks, solidifying his place in the NFL.

August 9, 2018: Shaquem Griffin's Preseason Debut

Shaquem Griffin made his preseason debut on August 9, 2018, against the Indianapolis Colts, leading the Seattle Seahawks in tackles.

August 30, 2018: Shaquem Griffin's Final Preseason Game

On August 30, 2018, Shaquem Griffin once again led the Seahawks in tackles during their final preseason game against the Oakland Raiders.

September 9, 2018: Shaquem Griffin's First NFL Start

On September 9, 2018, Shaquem Griffin started in his first-ever NFL game against the Denver Broncos due to K.J. Wright's absence.

2018: Shaquem Griffin Named Peach Bowl Defensive MVP

Shaquem Griffin was named the Defensive MVP of the 2018 Peach Bowl.

2019: Shaquem Griffin Receives NCAA Inspiration Award

Shaquem Griffin received the 2019 NCAA Inspiration Award for his perseverance and accomplishments despite facing a life-altering situation.

2019: Shaquem Griffin's 2019 NFL Season

Throughout the 2019 NFL season, Shaquem Griffin played in all 16 games, contributing primarily on special teams and later in the season on defense.

September 5, 2020: Shaquem Griffin Waived and Signed to Practice Squad

On September 5, 2020, the Seattle Seahawks waived Shaquem Griffin, but he was subsequently signed to the team's practice squad.

October 2, 2020: Shaquem Griffin Promoted to Active Roster

On October 2, 2020, Shaquem Griffin was promoted to the Seattle Seahawks' active roster.

2020: Shaquem Griffin's 2020 NFL Season

In the 2020 NFL season, Shaquem Griffin played in 14 games, recording one sack, nine total tackles, and one pass defended. He mainly contributed on special teams.

July 23, 2021: Shaquem Griffin Signs with Miami Dolphins

Shaquem Griffin signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins on July 23, 2021.

August 31, 2021: Shaquem Griffin Waived by Dolphins, Rejoins Practice Squad

The Miami Dolphins waived Shaquem Griffin on August 31, 2021. He later rejoined the team's practice squad.

2021: Shaquem Griffin Joins Miami Dolphins Practice Squad

In 2021, Shaquem Griffin joined the Miami Dolphins' practice squad.

August 24, 2022: Shaquem Griffin Announces Retirement, Joins NFL Legends Community

On August 24, 2022, Shaquem Griffin announced his retirement from professional football. He decided to join the NFL Legends Community to mentor current and former players.