Inspirational Shaquem Griffin drafted by Seahawks

April 29, 2018 at 3:26AM
The Seattle Seahawks selected UCF linebacker Shaquem Griffin in the fifth round, 141st overall, during the final day of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, April 28, 2018. (Max Faulkner/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS) ORG XMIT: 1229804
Central Florida linebacker Shaquem Griffin, who has one hand, took the stage to a loud ovation after he was drafted in the fifth round by the Seattle Seahawks during the final day of the draft. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

ARLINGTON, Texas

Central Florida linebacker Shaquem Griffin, who has one hand, received a thunderous standing ovation when he was drafted in the fifth round by the Seattle Seahawks. Griffin lost his left hand because of a rare prenatal condition.

At the time, Griffin wasn't at the stadium, but he had been around town all week after being invited to participate in pre-draft festivities.

Later in the fifth round, moderator Shannon Hanson announced that Griffin was still in town and would be coming to the stadium. He was making his way through the Metroplex traffic.

Hanson invited the thousands of fans who were attending the NFL Experience outside to join the crowd inside the stadium for the ceremony. And many came.

Then it happened.

Griffin, wearing a blue jacket walked onto the stage and was greeted with a football-game like ovation. He was presented a hat that had "We are 12" on it.

"It's an amazing experience," Griffin said. "It's a long road coming. I'm happy to be here."

Griffin joins twin brother Shaquill, who was drafted by Seattle in 2017.

Callaway to Browns

Troubled Florida receiver Antonio Callaway did not have to wait long to hear his name called following two disappointing days in the NFL draft.

Considered a first-round talent, Callaway was bypassed during the first three rounds because of off-field issues, including testing positive for marijuana at last month's NFL scouting combine.

But on Saturday, the Cleveland Browns decided to take a chance on the 21-year-old Miami native and traded up to select him with the 105th pick — or the fifth pick of the fourth round.

If Callaway can clean up his act, he could be a steal.

Raiders take Hurst

The Oakland Raiders traded up in the fifth round to take talented Michigan pass rusher Maurice Hurst, who fell from a projected first-round pick to off some draft boards because of concerns from a heart condition that got him sent home from the combine.

The Raiders traded the 159th and 185th picks to Indianapolis for the 140th pick Saturday and used it to take a player who might have gone in the first round had he not had health concerns.

Hurst was an All-America and one of the most productive defensive players in the country last season.

Precautionary move

With Jason Witten on the verge of retirement after 15 seasons, the Dallas Cowboys drafted Stanford tight end Dalton Schultz in the fourth round.

ESPN reported Friday that Witten is planning to retire and join the network's "Monday Night Football" crew as lead analyst. Owner Jerry Jones says Witten was taking the weekend to consider his future and hadn't made a decision.

Witten is the franchise leader in games, catches and yards receiving. He and Tony Gonzalez are the only NFL tight ends with at least 1,000 catches and 10,000 yards.

Etc.

• The Gophers did not have a player selected in the draft, but two players signed free-agent contracts Saturday night. Defensive tackle Steven Richardson signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, and kicker/punter Ryan Santoso signed with the Detroit Lions.

• The Cowboys traded a sixth-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams for receiver Tavon Austin.

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