ARLINGTON, TEXAS – With the 141st pick in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks selected Shaquem Griffin, linebacker from the University of Central Florida. Shaquem will now be reunited with his twin brother Shaquill, who was drafted by the Seahawks in 2017.
The twin brother duo played at UCF together and had an emotional moment when Shaquem got the call from Seattle, and they knew they would be teammates once again.
The brothers have grown up close and Shaquill helped his little brother believe in himself. Shaquem was born with amniotic band syndrome, causing the fingers on his left hand not to fully develop. At the age of four, he had surgery to remove the hand, after Shaquem’s mother found him in the kitchen trying to use a knife to amputate his own left hand from the pain.
Over the years Shaquem faced tremendous adversity and had to deal with doubt, but his brother and family were beside him pushing him to not give up and persevere.
At a press conference held at AT&T Stadium after the Seahawks selected Shaquem, Shaquill described the advice he gave to his little brother over the years, “remember who you are. If you give up, you would not just be giving up on yourself, you would be giving up on everyone. You are fighting for everyone. Just do it and prove them wrong.”
The Griffin’ brothers love for one another is inspirational and unconditional. When asked what Shaquem is looking forward to in the transition from college ball at UCF to the Seahawks in the pros he stated, “ just being able to put on the uniform and to play with my brother. You cannot get a better dream than that.”
When Shaquem realized his dream came true and that he would be a Seattle Seahawk, his brother was the first to wrap his arms around him and kiss him; A truly uplifting and motivational story, with a fairy-tale ending. Never doubt yourself. The best of luck to the Griffin Brothers and Congratulations!!
