Shaquem Griffin Waived Saturday by the Seahawks — I’m Depressed
Shaquem Griffin in Seattle has been one of the best stories in professional sports over the last few seasons. Unfortunately, that great story has come to an end. | Image: Kevork Djansezian/Kevork Djansezian/AFP
- Ahead of their September 13th NFL opening weekend game against the Atlanta Falcons, the Seattle Seahawks have officially waived immensely popular DE/LB Shaquem Griffin .
- A fifth-round pick in the 2018 draft, Shaquem had the opportunity to play alongside his twin brother, Shaquill, in Seattle.
- Born with amniotic band syndrome that kept the fingers in his left hand from completely developing, and the excruciating pain that came with it, Shaquem Griffin’s hand was amputated when he was just four years old in 1999. He’s been an inspiration to many, and I’m left feeling depressed.
Saturday was a tough day for Shaquem Griffin, his brother, and his entire family. He was waived by the Seattle Seahawks, and unfortunately, won’t be part of the Seattle’s 53-man roster to jump-start their 2020 NFL regular-season on Sunday, September 13.
Shaquem’s career statistics aren’t fantastic, but he was beginning to make a name for himself late in the 2019 season at the defensive end and linebacker positions. Secondarily, joining his twin brother Shaquill in the Emerald City, Griffin was able to play with family yet again.
Overcoming the loss of his left hand at four-years-old, Shaquem is still one heck of a player. Additionally, he’s inspired many with disabilities to never give up on their dreams. Going back to their football days as kids in Pop Warner, Shaquill and Shaquem Griffin have been teammates at every single level.
Remarkable.
Here’s a video tweet of Shaquem Griffin collecting his first NFL sack against superstar Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers in last season’s playoffs.
Shaquem Griffin Deserves Another Chance
Shaquem Griffin in Seattle has been one of the best stories in professional sports over the last few seasons. I’d say that joining his twin brother for the ride was the proverbial icing on the cake.
Will Shaquem get signed by another NFL team with opening weekend a week away? This one’s easy, my friends. Griffin’s effort alone in practice and on the field should provide him another shot in the NFL.
Add his talent and football IQ to the equation, and Shaquem Griffin not being one of the best 53-men on Seattle’s roster is a definitive head-scratcher for me.
Without his left hand and the leverage it would provide, he’s at an immediate disadvantage playing the DE/LB position. It doesn’t show when this young man is on the football field. The Seahawks will lose a valuable asset on and off the field. I can’t help but feeling sadness for the Griffin family.
If this video doesn’t bring you to tears, you may want to check your heartbeat. A young fan without a portion of his left arm is held with open arms by Shaquem.
Extraordinary.
Someone, Sign the Man
Clearing waivers in Seattle, Shaquem Griffin could inevitably find himself back on the Seahawks’ practice squad. For me and many other NFL fans, I’d love for another franchise to pull the trigger and sign this diamond in the rough within the next week.
He’s a wonderful player and an equally incredible human being.
Until Shaquem Griffin finds himself back on an NFL roster, I can’t help from feeling utter sorrow by Seattle’s decision.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of CCN.com.
