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Need a feel-good story to get excited about? Here you go! One day after linebacker Shaquem Griffin’s incredible 20-rep bench press performance with a prosthetic hand at the NFL Combine, he continued to light things up on Sunday. During his 40-yard dash, Griffin officially ran a 4.38.
That wasn’t just the fastest time of the day — 4.38 is the fastest time for a linebacker since 2006, when Stanford’s Jon Alston ran a 4.40.
Official 40 time for Shaq Griffin is in. The 4.38 held up. Book it.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 4, 2018
What’s even more amazing? Griffin’s 40 blasts past Richard Sherman, Ezekiel Elliott and Julio Jones!
WOOOO @ShaquemGriffin beats @RSherman_25, @EzekielElliott AND @juliojones_11 in the Simulcam!
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 4, 2018
: #NFLCombine LIVE on NFL Network pic.twitter.com/7ZdeVndtgX
The historical average for outside linebackers is 4.68, and Griffin absolutely crushed that. He had high expectations for himself even before he ran it yesterday:
Yesterday, I asked Griffin what he was going to run and he replied, “what do you think is fast?” I said, “For a linebacker, 4.60.” He replied, “I didn’t say linebacker, I said what do you think is fast.” Now I know what he meant. 438!!
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 4, 2018
He’s made a name for himself in Indianapolis, to say the least.
The DB group heading over to the bench press area at the combine are buzzing about Shaq Griffin’s run crowding around phones to watch it.
— Dan Kadar (@MockingTheDraft) March 4, 2018
Here’s that inspiring bench press from Saturday:
Using a prosthetic on his left arm, @Shaquemgriffin just put up 20 reps on the bench press! #NFLCombine @UCF_Football
— NFL (@NFL) March 3, 2018
: @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/fHS0b4Eb0s
Defying expectations for Griffin is nothing new, and we’ve seen it various times during his time on the field. Last season, he forced this Memphis fumble, mind you, with just one hand.
Griffin’s brother, Shaquill, plays for the Seattle Seahawks, being drafted out of UCF in the third round. Remarkably, his brother ran THE SAME DANG TIME.
UCF LB Shaquem Griffin's first unofficial 40: 4.38.
— Chase Goodbread (@ChaseGoodbread) March 4, 2018
Whoa. His brother a year ago? pic.twitter.com/WSxEf0LvSM
An important note: His brother weighs a whole 30 pounds less than Shaquem!
The simulcam you've been waiting for.@ShaquemGriffin vs. his twin brother @ShaquillG in the 40! #NFLCombine
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2018
: @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/GNhJqQ0QeU
A lot of current and former NFL stars have taken notice, too:
If @Shaquemgriffin doesn’t get drafted in the first two days the system is broken. Productive and performed well at the combine. Played well against high level competition.
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) March 4, 2018
4.38 man!!!! #ShaquemGriffin
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes5) March 4, 2018
I want this guy , I need this guy = BEAST !!!! https://t.co/rc3FCMqWgI
— OJ Howard 80 ™ (@TheRealOjHoward) March 4, 2018
Shaquem Griffin killing it.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 4, 2018
Dominate @Shaquemgriffin !! Set the bar! #NFLCombine2018
— D-Ware (@DeMarcusWare) March 4, 2018
boy the truth https://t.co/OoTRYuWoJJ
— Marshon Lattimore (@shonrp2) March 4, 2018
@Shaquemgriffin you are straight balling man! You gon mess around and get the call. Lol "If you ball u get the call" @nflnetwork #GamedayPrime #Truth
— Deion Sanders (@DeionSanders) March 4, 2018
Shaquem Griffin was flying he 4.38 lol he not messing around!!!
— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) March 4, 2018
Even Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll was blown away!
.@Seahawks HC @PeteCarroll reacts to @Shaquemgriffin's 40-yard dash. #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/UCwOLssDEH
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2018
I love all of this so damn much.