One-handed Seahawks draft pick pens a letter to NFL GMs

If you’re a football fan, chances are you’ve heard a bit of Shaquem Griffin’s story.

Griffin was born with amniotic band syndrome, which caused the fingers on his left hand to not fully develop.

As a result, he had his hand amputated when he was four-years-old, but that never stopped him from playing sports at a high level.

A year ago, his twin brother Shaquill was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks and had a great rookie season playing in the Pacific Northwest.

Last weekend, it was Shaquem’s turn, as the 22-year-old was selected in the 2018 NFL draft by the Seahawks as well, but it was much lower than many expected him to go.

It’s not a huge surprise he fell in the draft, as it’s easy to doubt an athlete with only one hand, and it’s something he’s dealt with his entire life.

The moment @shaquem_griffin, alongside his brother @shaquillg, found out he was drafted by the @seahawks. #NFLDraft (via @espn)

A post shared by NFL (@nfl) on Apr 28, 2018 at 1:32pm PDT

Through the Players’ Tribune, a popular publication that relies on athletes doing the writing, Griffin penned a letter to NFL GMs who may have doubted his ability to play at the highest level.

In the article, he talks about getting told that football is only for two-handed players when he was eight years old.

He also talks about a difficult start to his college career where he wasn’t given a chance to prove himself until a new coach came in during his third season.

For Griffin, his story isn’t a sob story, however, it’s his story, and one that has made him into the person and player that he is.

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“If you’re one of those GMs who believes that I can play in the NFL, I just want to say thank you,” he writes. “I appreciate you, and I’m excited for the opportunity to play for you and prove you right.

“And if you’re one of those who is doubting me … well, I want to thank you too. Because you’re what keeps me motivated every day to work hard and play even harder.”

It’s a great and inspiring read, especially for young athletes, and it comes from a man who will surely do great things in both football and life.

You can read the entire Players’ Tribune article by clicking this link.