The inspiring bond of brotherhood that Seattle Seahawks defensive standouts Shaquem and Shaquill Griffin have is something that everyone can look up to. The Griffin Twins united in purpose again last week as the virtual commencement speakers for their alma mater, the University of Central Florida.
The eight-minute speech was unscripted and touched on some of the brothers' core beliefs, including understanding self-worth and triumphing over adversity. Shaquill talked about hitting a wall during his junior year with the Knights, only to use his brother's success as motivation and as a way to find himself again as a senior.
That message of how he rediscovered himself and realized his value is particularly important as the Class of 2020 enters an unpredictable job market.
"You've got to know your worth, know the sacrifices you made to get here today to graduate," Shaquill said. "You all earned it. You all deserve it. ... "So find your purpose. Find what makes you happy. Find what you love and take full advantage of it."
With the coronavirus looming over everything, including graduation festivities that have been forced online, getting in the right mindset to overcome obstacles has become paramount. No one has a stronger message related to adversity than Shaquem, who became a football star at UCF and now with the Seattle Seahawks despite only having one hand.
"Adversity made me who I am today," Shaquem told the graduates. "Don't let adversity dictate who you are going to be. ... We know what to do when it comes. You beat it. You fight it. You attack it every single day it comes at you to become a better person, a better you."
The Griffin Twins both graduated from UCF in 2016, with Shaquem playing one final season, helping lead the Knights to an undefeated season and Peach Bowl victory. Shaquill was selected by Seattle in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, only for his brother to join him with the Seahawks as a fifth-round pick a year later.
The Griffin Twins unbelievable story has been documented by countless TV, newspaper and magazine features. They also told their story in a book written co-written by Mark Schlabach.
Both Shaquem and Shaquill are popular as keynote speakers and they have participated in an array of corporate speaking engagements, appearances and more as their message has reached the masses. Shaquem, in particular, is regarded as one of the most motivational speakers from the sports world because of the special connection he builds with his audiences.
If you are interested in booking The Griffin Twins for an appearance, virtual meeting, or as a keynote speaker, contact the agents at Athlete Speakers by calling us at 800-916-6008 or by Starting Your Booking Request Now.
