Linebacker Shaquem Griffin, who made historical past as the primary one-handed NFL participant, introduced his retirement Wednesday. His twin brother, Shaquill Griffin, performs for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The 27-year-old defined his determination to depart professional soccer in a chunk within the Gamers Tribune, writing that it's "time for me to execute my Plan A."
For Griffin, that plan contains "doing one thing" that might "make a optimistic affect on the earth."
"Truthfully, it is nonetheless slightly surreal," he wrote. "After every part I have been by way of in my life — all of the onerous work, all of the doubters — it is virtually unthinkable that I am hangin' it up and transferring on from the sport of soccer. However I do know the optimistic impact I am having on others. I am talking at faculties and universities, speaking to soccer groups and even presenting to company America about by no means doubting your self and tirelessly pursuing your goals."
Griffin performed his faculty soccer on the College of Central Florida earlier than being chosen within the fifth spherical of the 2018 draft by the Seattle Seahawks, only one yr after the Seahawks additionally chosen his brother, cornerback Shaquill Griffin. In his three seasons in Seattle, enjoying alongside his brother, Shaquem recorded 25 tackles and one sack. He spent a portion of 2021 season on the Miami Dolphins' follow squad.
Griffin mentioned if he was not enjoying together with his brother, he was not occupied with being within the NFL anymore.
"As children we had dreamed of enjoying collectively within the NFL, however each time we talked about it, our dad would remind us that if we made it to the league — particularly if we obtained to play collectively — that might be an added blessing," Griffin mentioned.
Griffin mentioned he's transferring on from the sport — however staying within the league as a part of the NFL Legends Neighborhood, a program through which retired gamers mentor present and former gamers. Griffin mentioned he obtained an invite to hitch this system from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
"We began speaking about what's occurring on the streets in Chicago and the way these communities are struggling," he wrote. "Guys began throwing out concepts on how we may assist. How we may possibly enhance folks's lives and make an actual optimistic affect."
Griffin was born with a defect that deformed his left hand. The underdeveloped hand prompted him ache till it was amputated on the age of 4. His unlikely soccer journey, and his bond together with his brother, made him an inspiration to many.
The Seahawks congratulated him in a tweet after his announcement.
"A real inspiration on the sphere," the staff wrote. "A greater individual off of it. Your story might be remembered for generations."