NFL world reacts to Seahawks drafting Shaquem Griffin

RENTON, Wash. — Football fans everywhere took to social media Saturday when the Seattle Seahawks drafted linebacker Shaquem Griffin in the fifth round out of the University of Central Florida.

Griffin, twin brother of Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin, had his left hand amputated when he was younger, and became the player everyone was hoping would get a shot in the NFL. He was a star at Central Florida despite playing with just one hand.

He was the American Athletic Conference defensive player of the year in 2016 and the MVP of UCF's Peach Bowl victory against Auburn last season when UCF went 13-0.

"It's just so much. I'm extremely blessed," Shaquem said on a conference call. "It definitely was a tough three days. A lot of anxiety these few days, but I'm ready to get up there and go to work and start something great."

After the pick was announced, many NFL players, including members of the Seahawks, congratulated Griffin on Twitter:

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Information from the Associated Press is included in this story. 

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