UCF linebacker and NFL Draft hopeful Shaquem Griffin was just explaining to NFL Network’s Alex Flanagan how he listens to coaches and executes their teachings when he heard someone call him from the Senior Bowl sideline. As it turned out, Griffin was actually supposed to be in the game on punt coverage.
Whoops.
Somewhat surprisingly, Griffin didn’t seem at all disturbed to have missed a chance to play. In fact, he laughed off the whole incident, albeit in a kind of sheepish way. Maybe he would have been less good-natured had he heard the NFL Network commentators joking about him missing out on a (long overdue) NFL Combine invite over the incident.
Luckily, Griffin has a lot going for him. He was AAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 and the star defensive player for undefeated UCF in 2017. Despite having only one hand (after the other was amputated at age 4), he has become a well-rounded NFL prospect, who could potentially play on the defensive line, as a linebacker or even in the secondary at the next level. He is also, by all accounts, a charismatic, smiley and well-liked young man. Last week, he was named the Senior Bowl’s Practice Player of the Week.
Add all that together, and Griffin projects as a mid-round draft pick. One missed punt play certainly won’t change that.

About Alex Putterman
Alex is a writer and editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. He has written for The Atlantic, VICE Sports, MLB.com, SI.com and more. He is a proud alum of Northwestern University and The Daily Northwestern. You can find him on Twitter @AlexPutterman.
Recent Posts
Congress to introduce legislation on NFL’s migration to streaming, per report
The news comes days after a Congressional hearing addressing the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961.
South African pundits stunned silent after team’s performance against Mexico
"Okay. What do we say? What do we say? What went wrong in this game?"
Fox honors Grant Wahl during first day of World Cup coverage
"Grant Wahl's loss is still being felt given his remarkable dedication into his craft."
ESPN reportedly looking to Dave Pasch, Bob Wischusen to replace Chris Fowler on NFL broadcasts
ESPN is "still eyeing Jason Kelce as a game analyst," but likely not for every game.
Alexi Lalas declares Donald Trump ‘the soccer president’
"He understands soft power, I think, better than anybody."
Mike Florio wonders if Rupert Murdoch’s political pressure leads NFL to dump Fox
"[Murdoch] has drawn a line in the sand, and he has been willing to use everything at his disposal to get the NFL to tread lightly when it comes to the potential sale of more games to streamers."