An incredible story about perseverance, love, and human potential! As the father of a child with a hand difference, these are the narratives that inspire me in my own endeavors and for my child's future. Thank you Shaquem Griffin and NYTimes!
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Thanks for this article. It's a beacon in this time of divisiveness and difficulty, and so is Shaquem.
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Thank you. Oh, what a relief and a joy to be reminded that in a country enduring what feels like nonstop viciousness, divisiveness and something crass and ugly every day, there are beautiful things still happening, and beautiful people showing us there is still a light shining through the darkness.
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beautiful! thank you. t
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Shaquem Griffin proves that it is not what happens to you.
It's how you handle what happens that determines your experience of life.
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A wonderful story! I'd love to hear more about this persevering soul, his brother and of course their mother who held it all together.
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Beautiful story! In an age where it seems everyone vies to the be the biggest victim, the most downtrodden, the most discriminated against, here is a guy who just gets it done.
Very inspiring! We don't all have the supreme talents of Shaquem Griffin but we can all learn a lot from him.
Thanks for sharing his story, Mr. Bruni.
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Great, great story . . . to which I add the story of one of my best friend's son, Justin.
Justin was struck by bone cancer as a young child, which fortunately spared his life but eventually resulted in the loss of his arm up to and including his shoulder.
Undeterred, Justin led his team in tackles, played for his college (DIII) and always, always earned the dignity and respect of his teammates and opponents. And NO ONE ever made the mistake of letting him off with a watered-down effort a second time.
Doubtless why he is a leader in both his community, his business and his family. And while he no longer lines up on the field, you should see him hunt and dress a deer . . .single-armed.
It's not the handicap, it's what you do with the handicap that counts. For Justin, the loss of his arm was just a speed bump which no doubt helped him focus even more intensely on achieving his dreams.
God bless all those who persevere in the face of adversity. An important reminder to al of us about the challenges that we all face, and what those less fortunate do to overcome them.
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My mother from a prosperous family, was crippled by polio when I was a kid in the pre-Salk vaccine early 1950's, and back then they were referred to as "shut ins", because they were. This was before handicap access was required by law, and other similar legislation. I wish Mom had accepted her challenge like this man did, instead of spending the rest of her days praying like crazy for a "miracle from Jesus", and feeling bitter and angry underneath because one never happened.
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@Entera She missed the miracle, you. You were her miracle.
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Great piece, thank you.
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Very inspiring, indeed.
Mr. Bruni, you should consider checking out the para-equestrians competing at Tryon and other upper-level equestrian events.
The paradressage competition was won by Denmark's Stinna Tange Kaastrup, who was born without legs. She is an equestrian without legs - and she competes at the highest levels, as do many other equestrians with physical limitations. Playing football is grueling, yes. But try riding an upper-level competition horse without the use of your legs - or even having any.
Talk about a wow factor!
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With rare exception - the apparent black-balling of Colin Kaepernick being one of them - sport is the last true meritocracy on the planet.
It behooves team owners to sign the best players available, because it's ALL about winning.
As a baseball fan, the piece reminded me of Jim Abbott, who pitched 10 years in the majors...a lefty, born with no right hand. Won 18 games one season and pitched a no-hitter when he was with the Yankees.
By making it to the NFL, Shauqeem Griffin didn't do by it being anything but able....no "dis-" or "otherly" or "differently" necessary.
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Thank you for writing this story. It's beautiful.
Thanks Frank.
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Wonderful story. Made me weep with joy at such a wonderful family and the sheer willpower of Shaquem to prove so many wrong. A truly inspiring kid.
A run-of-the-mill success story about someone with a physical flaw. Oh dear, was that the wrong word? Probably. In any case, what no one ever writes about is those of us with physical differences (there!) yet lack exceptional skills to make up for them and live diminished lives. Not that it would make sense to give such stories a lot of ink, but people should know that stories like Mr. Griffin's make the rest of us feel worse than we did already.
What an inspiring story one I have heard and saw before. This very remarkable young man is a true inspiration. A story that we need right now. Thank you Mr. Bruni for giving this man's story another outlet. Lovely article.
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Frank- this is just the medicine I needed today. I am going to bookmark this for constant reference.
Thank you for sharing.
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Wow, this is THE most inspiring story I think I have ever read. It brought tears to my eyes and hope to my heart about every little trial and tribulation I'm going through in in my life. If he can do that, then I can do anything.
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Not a sad or a sob story -- but an inspirational story about what attitude and determination and support of those who love you can do to help you achieve your dream.
Wonderful family with two amazing brothers.
Best wishes to the family.
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Thank you so much for this very moving story Frank. It is a much welcome relief from the Sturm und Drang we have been ensnared in for so long.
Shaquem Griffin is such a role model and inspiration for all children who are different from their peers, whether it be a physical difference, or whether they have other issues such as autism. Further, his brother, Shaquille Griffin, also embodies the best of what it means to unselfishly love another. Shaquem's mother is also to congratulated for never telling her son "no you can't".
I was moved to tears by this story of an unconquerable spirit. Thank you again, Frank.
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Stories of the exceptional are always good reads. And the reason is, because they are the exceptions. Rags to riches stories have inspired many Americans to work harder, dream bigger and accomplish more. In every country and culture, there are individuals and families like Griffin and his. But there a tens of thousands if not millions of physically and mentally imperfect individuals who warm the bench or carry water to the players or don't even make it inside the stadium. Their greatest accomplishment may be answering the phone at Walmart or bagging groceries. So, yes, let's praise the Shaquem Griffins of America and their mothers and brothers and the coaches who saw his talent and gave him a chance. If we could provide all our less-than-perfect citizens with some meaningful work and the training and accommodations to do it, I would be much more inspired by that accomplishment.
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It's a brutal game, but how can one not be Seahawks fan? Other teams should watch and learn.
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It's a cheer story. An 'all's well with the world' story - but don't look around, or you might see the 'rest of the story . . .'
Wonderful story! Reminded me of Brice Taylor, who was born without a left hand, and who was the first All-American football player from the University of Southern California (class of 1925). Brice Taylor was born in Seattle, so it seems somehow appropriate that Shaquem Griffin plays for the Seahawks.
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Nice to see this uplifting story about overcoming major adversity. My mom also grew up w a significant deformity, and also blossomed despite it. All her friends were even more disabled (mainly from polio - she grew up in a children's hospital in the 1920's), and after being around them I didn't think of them as disabled at all. While there bodies were limited, their minds seemed to be more expansive. Getting back to Shaquem, I believe he had 2 interceptions in his last game. It was very moving to watch that performance. We need more stories like this.
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Mr. Bruni, The comment from Chip seems to be worth an investigation. Don’t you think ?
And thank you for this article.
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Dang it, Frank, there should have been a tissue alert warning at the top of this essay.
Surely one of your finest columns this year. But with such a fine and gracious subject, how could it not be?
And I don't even like football.
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@Patti
Patti, my thoughts exactly all I can say is thank goodness for waterproof mascara.
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I don't know how good a pro he will be although i am hopeful. But i can tell you he was a brilliant college player who dominated my team in a regular season and conference championship game. His speed and aggression is if 1st class and I think when he finds his footing, he'll do the same in the pros. at least i hope so. BTW, nice job Mom.
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I applauded Nike when they stood with Colin, but now I really admire them for featuring this great kid who shows us all that a disability is what you make of it. It's no longer a ploy to get air time, it's a message we all needed to hear
I'm sure he will inspire and thrill everyone who has some issue that makes the game a little tougher and the winning that much sweeter.
I'll remember him the next time I moan about my aching back.
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Two years ago I lost my entire left arm to cancer. Three months later I was back in the ocean surfing. This young man is showing the world what we should do on a daily basis, try to be the best we can we what we have. Good on the Seahawks organization for showing what is possible if we try.
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Everything about this story is great, from this young man's courage and perseverance, to the two brothers being a package deal. This is humanity at its best, and just hearing this story can make people a little bit bigger. Thanks!
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This was a wonderful story. Looking at the photos of these inspiring young men and their mother, they all seem to radiate the kind of simple goodness and unassuming joy in their achievements, that are in such short supply these days. Now if only I could erase the indelible image of candidate Donald Trump mocking the disability of a reporter in 2016, out of my mind, I could enjoy this story even more.
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Everyone needs to look to this kid, this family. This is, truly, what makes America great. He had a dream and went out and made it reality. And as inspiring is his twin, who made sure he did everything he could, even at the risk of his own dream, to support his brother.
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Smiling through my tears; thank you so much for writing about the remarkable Shaquem Griffin and his terrific family. I am struck by his self confidence, determination, willingness to be a role model for those who will benefit from it, and of course, his enormous athletic gifts. His story is inspiring and refreshing. He is the very essence of the phrase, just do it.
I am not a football fan but I will be sure to keep an eye out for the Griffin twins. I imagine that their accomplishments will be many, both on and off the field. I wish them both continued success, happiness and health.
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This is not only an inspiring story but it features the NFL in a good light.How wise it was for the Seahawks to draft the twins together and allow them to develop their pro talents as a duo.That makes this saga even more amazing.If we get discouraged , we can simply tune into the Seahawks and cheer on Shaquille and Shaquem and feel the uplift of a winning duo.
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@Janet MichaelIt's time for me to turn in my steeler jersey for a seahawk's
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We needed to hear this story now, especially now when the world seems broken. The world's not broken. Thank you to the entire Griffin family for proving it.
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This is what happens when children grow up being told "yes, you can do it" by people who love them.
Great story.
Great family.
Thanks.
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As the mother of a "differently abled" child, it warms my heart and inspires my child when success stories like this one receive national attention. Family makes a difference, attitude makes a difference, acceptance by others makes a difference!
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A team of Shaquem Griffins and Jim Abbotts in any sport is a team I will pay even today’s inflated ticket prices to see.
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The world is full of those with disability, some from birth and some from accidents or illness. There are so many of us the others are just the pre-disabled and the pre-woke.
The ADA and the growing numbers joining us do not show the face of disability but the face of the special abilities locked within our thin veneer of a false sense of invulnerability.
Go Hawks!
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This kind of thing is agonizing. Sports hero rises above disability - to play a sport that is good for nothing long term for most players but brain damage. How about chronicling a nice African American lady I know who is both a midget and an amputee, and has achieved a PhD and position of some authority and respect. She will not get brain damage from her choices, and she will labor happily in obscurity all her life, making a difference against racism.
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@Chip Please don't rain on Shaquille's parade. I'd think he has gone through enough, and still come out a winner.
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I did not know of Shaquem Griffin when watching UCF's final game of the season last year. UCF ended with an undefeated record (12-0) and the best player on the field had one hand. AMAZING!! What a truly inspiring person, family, story.
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"All the News That's Fit to Print." And then some. Thanks, Frank!
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Harry Truman once famously asked for a one-armed economist.
One who never says "on the other hand."
He would have been delighted with Shaquem.
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Appreciate these stories each week in the NYT---examples of individuals in our country making positive contributions to our culture despite a toxic political culture that, quite honestly, purposefully depresses the human spirit.
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Oh my, I needed that.
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Great Stuff .. Thank you Mr Bruni .. And all the best to the Griffin Bros
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Football will kill your brain. I’ve told this over and over in the Times, shouldn’t we discourage him from playing? For his own health?
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@Shamrock He's an adult and can make his own choices.
This is why we shouldn't waste any child by depriving them of opportunity and education.
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We are challenged and defined by our pain. By our willingness and ability to address ourselves and others - through life - in pain.
We are born in pain. Most die in pain.
Courage sets us apart.
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fantastic, very relatable
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Beautiful essay, great story, great guy. Inspirational.
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Frank,
We have enjoyed your column for many years. You have moved us many times with your insights. This time, it brought more than a few tears to my eyes.
Our daughter was born with a similar condition in 1990. It has been hard for her. The Shaquem story started for us last spring and has been great inspiration.
When the Seahawks drafted Sahquem (full disclosure, we are Seattle transplants in TX), it was even more impactful.
Very moving and inspirational!
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Thank you, Frank, for this bright ray of sun! Such good & talented & sensible young men - what a wonderful contrast in these dark times. So happy to know about these great brothers.
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Great story. Truly inspiring!
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Beautiful essay. I sent it onto my son at college. Uplifting and enlightening at the same time. Beating the odds is what makes this country great. Not some idiot who spews hatred and marginalizes the other. Mr. Griffin is the other and exceptional to boot and a role model for all.
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Overcoming adversity is always a heartwarming story but to play in the NFL with one hand is truly remarkable. This young man is an inspiration to every physically challenged boy and girl in America. That his twin brother insisted they both be accepted to the same college before he would agree is a bond between brothers that is unbreakable.
Congratulations Shaquem.
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We in Washington State are proud the Seahawks -- waiting until the 5th round, was able to draft Griff to join his brother. And, not included in Bruni's story is that Griff was not invited to the 2018 Combine - until the very last. But, Griff ran the fastest time of any linebacker since they started timing those runs. Amazing indeed.
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We tend to look at physical abilities as gifts. But maybe adversity is also an opportunity, if difficulty makes a person that much more determined to prevail.
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I love this kid and I wish I were half the person he is. Let's not forget his family either, who clearly did a lot of things right. My all time favorite athlete. Next to Joe Namath of course.
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This story is a "spirit lifter" and a "tear jerker" all humanity should be encouraged by it. Thanks for sharing
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Thank you Mr. Bruni, your best story ever!
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What I don't understand about the position of all the naysayers in our world is this: What is so hard to understand about "Love One Another." or "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."? The "other" is any and all fellow creatures; there is no separation in the universe. Love is the answer.
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Frank, you made my day by sharing this family’s story. Kudoos to all involved, including Nike.
For years, I’ve been standing for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, but not saying it or covering my heart-just can’t seem to get the words “with liberty and justice for all” and “under God” past my lips-so Colin has all my sympathy and support. And here’s another hero we can point out to our kids and grandkids.
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Well... I am not sobbing but I am crying. What a wonderful story. Frank...you are the BEST. We need these inspirational pieces from time to time or we will all go NUTS.
The twin part at the end was icing on the cake!!
Thanks
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I needed this today. Thank you Mr. Griffin. And thank you Mr. Bruni for highlighting his story.
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Please count me in as a fan, of the whole Griffin family.
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Wonderful indeed. What amazes me is that sofar only 1 (one) comment has been received.
It seems that we do not like stories like Shaquem's anymore, we rather read/watch all the political so called "breaking news" items.
Expect 100s more comments still tonight (watching!!).
Hat off to Shaquem and all the success to you, Sir.
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Truly inspirational!
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There are kids who could be as successful as Shaquem if only one person was there to tell them so. Be that person.
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Thanks for a great story.
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Never take away a child’s dreams!
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Here is a role model to be proud of! You have a great future with your can do beliefs and dogged determination. Mom's take note of how much you can influence your child's future for the better. I know because I also have a disabled child who is a successful 38 yrs. old and never gave up, neither did I.
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I have seen the stories on the various television news magazine and I am absolutely floored by the positive attitude that this young man projects. He's amazing and kudos to you Frank for giving us a positive story when the alternative is dominating the news.
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@Dave DiRoma
Many of us live "The Little Engine That Could" Disability exists for too many of us and yet we contribute without recognition with much satisfaction.
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Both brothers are amazing. And I'm not just talking football.
Thanks for an inspiring and very human story in these troubled times.
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The guy had two interceptions last night in a losing effort against Chicago. I thought ESPN was going to completely lose it. Congratulations young man!
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@Jenifer
That was Shaquill with the interceptions. 78 people need to pay more attention.
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Damn Frank, you’ve made me cry. I’m usually not much of a football fan, but that’s about to change. Shaquem Griffin, you don’t know me. But I’m incredibly inspired by you and your story. And your Mother is a Woman that I would love to know. And Seattle, once again you show us all how to live, work and play together. See you soon, love Phyliss and John.
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A wonderful story. And, how very handsome these twins are.
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