The 2018 NFL Scouting Combine has become the Shaquem Griffin show.
One day after Griffin, who had his left hand amputated as a child, recorded 20 bench press reps with the help of a prosthetic, the UCF linebacker turned in another dazzling performance in the 40-yard dash, completing the combine’s signature drill in 4.38 seconds.
It was the fastest 40 by any linebacker since 2003.
WOW. 😱😱😱@ShaquemGriffin just ran a 4.38u 40-yard dash!
The fastest LB at the #NFLCombine since 2003.
📺: @Nflnetwork https://t.co/TKHXVZri4n
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2018
Griffin’s lightning-fast sprint set Twitter ablaze, with several current NFL players offering their reactions.
Shaquem Griffin killing it.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 4, 2018
4.38 man!!!! #ShaquemGriffin
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) March 4, 2018
Shaquem Griffin was flying 😳😳 he 4.38 lol he not messing around!!!
— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) March 4, 2018
Pete Carroll, who coaches Griffin’s twin brother, Shaquill, with the Seattle Seahawks, clearly liked what he saw.
.@Seahawks HC @PeteCarroll reacts to @Shaquemgriffin's 40-yard dash. 😳#NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/UCwOLssDEH
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2018
Shaquill Griffin also ran a 4.38-second 40 at last year’s combine. But he’s about 30 pounds lighter than his brother and plays cornerback. Sub-4.40 times are relatively common among defensive backs. For linebackers? Not so much.
Shaquem Griffin, who initially was not invited to the combine after earning Defensive Player of the Year honors in the American Athletic Conference, is trying to become the first player with one hand to be drafted in modern NFL history. He’s certainly boosted his stock this weekend.
Griffin also plans to run through defensive back drills Monday.
