Shaquem Griffin, who broke into NFL as one-handed player, retires

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Linebacker Shaquem Griffin is hanging up his cleats, announcing his retirement from the NFL after four seasons. 

Griffin, who had his left hand amputated at four years of age due to amniotic band syndrome, penned an article for The Players’ Tribune explaining his decision to call it quits. 

"It’s time for me to execute my Plan A," he wrote.

What is that plan? Griffin wrote it was "to go to college, get an education and do something that would make a positive impact in the world." Football was always Plan B. 

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Shaquem Griffin of the Miami Dolphins warms up prior to a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Hard Rock Stadium Aug. 21, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Griffin explained how NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell approached him with an opportunity to work with the Legends Program, which is a group made up of retired players to help mentor current and former players in all areas of NFL life, from the beginning to the end of their careers and beyond.

While having that "fancy brunch," Griffin knew it was the right decision.

‘INSEPARABLE: HOW FAMILY AND SACRIFICE FORGED A PATH TO THE NFL' BY SHAQUEM GRIFFIN AND SHAQUILL GRIFFIN

Griffin’s story is a remarkable and well-documented one. He’s been counted out since his hand amputation, but he continued to defy the odds. 

First, it was at the University of Central Florida, where he played alongside his twin brother, Shaquill, a cornerback who plays with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Shaquem racked up 195 tackles and 18.5 sacks in his five seasons with UCF, prompting an invite to the NFL Combine. 

Shaquill Griffin and