TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker and former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Shaquem Griffin announced Wednesday that he is retiring from football after five seasons. Griffin, 27, was born with amniotic band syndrome, which affects fetal development, and had his left hand amputated when he was 4 years old. He went on to play college football at the University of Central Florida, where he was a two-time All-American and won the 2016 American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year award. He was drafted by the Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft and quickly became a fan favorite in Seattle, starting 16 games in his rookie season and making 89 tackles. He also had a memorable play in the playoffs that season when he forced a fumble by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott that was returned for a touchdown. Griffin signed with the Dolphins in 2021 and played 17 games that season, starting 11. He was released by the Dolphins in August 2022 and signed with the Buccaneers in November 2022. He played in four games for the Buccaneers, starting one. Griffin finished his NFL career with 147 tackles, 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and two interceptions. He was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2018 and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2019. Griffin also became a vocal advocate for people with disabilities, speaking out about the importance of inclusion and accessibility. He was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2019. In a statement announcing his retirement, Griffin said he is .
Paralympian Shaquem Griffin, NFL’s first player with one hand, announces retirement
