It was an emotional announcement, but it was a much-deserved announcement. The University of Central Florida announced that former football star Shaquem Griffin would be joining the school’s Hall of Fame on Friday.
The 29-year-old from St. Petersburg Florida was born with amniotic band syndrome which affected his left hand. When he was four years old, his hand was amputated. That did not stop him from playing sports at a high level.
During his time at Central Florida, he was named the AAC Defensive Player of the Year. He was the Peach Bowl defensive MVP and was named to the second team All-American team.
The linebacker was drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He went to the Seattle Seahawks and then spent some time with the Miami Dolphins. Before he finished in the league, he recorded 25 tackles and had a sack. He has not been in the league since 2021. He is the twin brother of Shaquill Griffin, who is with the Minnesota Vikings.
Shaquem Griffin reacts to joining UCF Athletics Hall of Fame pic.twitter.com/2D5irIIvqe
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) August 16, 2024
Griffin will be one of the main headliners in the 2024 UCF Hall of Fame class. The event will be on November 1st during a home game against the Arizona Wildcats.
The 2024 Central Florida Knights are set to start their season on Thursday, August 29th. They will host New Hampshire, one of four games in the Big 12 that night.