One-Handed Linebacker Rushes His Way Into History!
… Panini America’s branding team selected him because of the high level of fan interest after crushing combine drills with just one hand.
The two-year starter at Central Florida and a first-team All-American Athletic Conference selection in each of those seasons was a late addition to the list of combine invitees, getting his formal invitation on Jan. 30.
In 2016 he was the league’s defensive player of the year with 92 tackles, 11.5 sacks, an interception and two forced fumbles.
Griffin has been fighting his entire playing career to make the point that just because he’s missing a hand doesn’t mean he’s not capable of competing at the highest level, and this weekend, Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said their team would evaluate Griffin as just that, any other player.
“He’s very exciting to watch on film because he just plays with his heart, with passion, and he gives you everything he has on every snap,” Spielman said. “I don’t think [his having one hand] should be a factor, just because he’s shown he can be productive at a high level against some high-level competition. I think each team will make that determination, but we think he’s a heck of a football player, and that won’t be a factor for us.”
