UCF linebacker Shaquem Griffin proved his doubters wrong.
During the 2018 NFL Draft Combine on Saturday, the 22-year-old amputee completed 20 reps in the 225-pound bench press with one hand.
“Just starting that off, I just felt the energy from everybody,” Griffin told the NFL Network. “I mean, my adrenaline was going through the roof and I didn't feel like I needed to stop. So as soon as I heard I was at 16, I was like, ‘Oh, yeah, I'm going for 20.’ I was like, 'I'm going to change my fitness regimen, I've got to grind this out right here.’ It felt amazing to reach that goal.”
Griffin said that prior to Saturday’s Combine, he heard about a general manager who expected him to put down no more than five reps. The linebacker used that as motivation:
Griffin’s reps tied for 16th among participating linebackers. It was also the same number his twin brother, Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin, had completed in 2017.
The athlete was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, which prevented his left fingers from fully developing. At the age of 4, Griffin had his left hand amputated.
You can check out the impressive feat above, as well as Twitter reactions below.
