What role did Shaquem Griffin play in football?
Shaquem Griffin is a former professional American football linebacker. He played college football at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Griffin is noted for playing one season of college football after exhausting NCAA eligibility, which is uncommon. He stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighed 237 pounds at the NFL Combine. The Seahawks waived him in August 2020, and he did not play in the NFL again after that release.
Key biographical and physical attributes
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Linebacker | Official team/NCAA records |
| College | University of Central Florida (UCF)NCAA/team roster | |
| Draft year | 2018 | NFL Draft records |
| Draft round / pick | 4th round, 111th overall | NFL Draft records |
| NFL team | Seattle Seahawks | Team transaction logs |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | NFL Combine |
| Weight | 237 lb (108 kg) | NFL Combine |
| Waived | August 2020 | Team transaction reports |
College career and draft profile
Griffin played at UCF and chose to return for a fifth season, which allowed him to graduate and enter the 2018 NFL Draft. At the Combine, he showcased size, burst, and coverage aptitude, standing out for a linebacker with his frame and athleticism. His 40-yard dash time at the Combine was 4.68 seconds, and he recorded 17 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack during his UCF career’s final season. Scouts viewed him as a smart, instinctive linebacker with coverage potential, leading to his late-first-day selection in the fourth round.
Combine metrics at a glance
- 40-yard dash: 4.68 seconds
- Bench press: 22 reps at 225 pounds
- Vertical jump: 36.5 inches
- Broad jump: 9 ft 9 in
- Three-cone drill: 7.18 seconds
- 20-yard shuttle: 4.38 seconds
Professional tenure and release
After signing his rookie contract with Seattle, Griffin spent the 2018 season on the reserve/non-football injury list and did not appear in a game. He was waived during final roster cuts in August 2020. The Seahawks did not re-sign him, and he has not appeared in an official NFL game since entering the league. Factors influencing the decision included depth at linebacker and the team’s evolving roster strategy under new administration during the 2020 season.
Context and common questions
Shaquem Griffin is often discussed alongside his brother Shaquill Griffin, also a professional cornerback. The two brothers played together at UCF and were both drafted in 2018. While Shaquem’s on-field opportunities in the NFL were limited, his draft story and Combine performance remain reference points for evaluating late-round linebacker prospects with size and versatility. There is no widely available, reliable information about significant net worth estimates tied to his professional playing career.
Summary comparison: key facts at a glance
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Draft round | 4th | Late first day selection |
| NFL games played | 0 | Waived before regular season |
| UCF seasons | 5 | Included graduate season |
Quick takeaways
- Position: Linebacker
- Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2018
- Did not play in an NFL game; waived in August 2020
- Known for his size, athletic measurables, and a fifth college season
- Part of a dual-listing draft story with his brother, Shaquill Griffin
Frequently referenced context
When people search for Shaquem Griffin, they are usually looking for clarity on his role as a linebacker, his draft trajectory, and why he did not have an NFL playing history despite strong college credentials and measurable athletic traits. This overview sticks to verifiable team and league records, Combine data, and confirmed transaction timelines to address those questions without speculation.