Shaquill Griffin Bio
Shaquill Griffin is an American professional football cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 20, 1995, in St. Petersburg, Florida, he is most recognized for his time with the Seattle Seahawks, who selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Over the course of his career, Griffin has also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, and Minnesota Vikings, building a reputation as a reliable defensive back. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2019 and is widely respected for his coverage skills and football instincts.
Early Life and Background
Shaquill Griffin was born to Tangie and Terry Griffin on July 20, 1995, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He arrived less than two minutes before his twin brother, Shaquem Griffin, who would later become his lifelong teammate and motivator. The two brothers grew up competing in track, baseball, and football, which helped shape Shaquill’s competitive edge and athletic foundation. Their household emphasized hard work and perseverance, values that became central to Shaquill’s approach to the game.
Griffin attended Lakewood High School in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he played football for the Spartans. His high school performance drew the attention of several college programs, but he chose to attend the University of Central Florida. The decision was influenced by his desire to play alongside his twin brother, even though it meant turning down offers from other schools. This early commitment to family and team set the tone for the rest of his career.
Path to American Football
Griffin played for the University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights from 2013 to 2016, developing into one of the most consistent cornerbacks in the American Athletic Conference. He rejected offers from several other programs, including the Miami Hurricanes, his dream school, in order to play with Shaquem. As a freshman, he saw limited action, recording six tackles and one pass defensed in four games, but his role expanded each year.
By his senior season, Griffin had become a key piece of the Knights’ defense, recording 49 total tackles, four interceptions, and 15 passes defensed. His performance that year earned him Second-team All-AAC honors in 2016. Following the season, he accepted an invitation to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and was later invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, where he finished among the top performers in the broad jump, vertical jump, and 40-yard dash among defensive backs. NFLDraftScout.com ranked him as the 17th-best cornerback prospect in the 2017 draft class.
Shaquill Griffin Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
The Seattle Seahawks selected Shaquill Griffin in the third round (90th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft and signed him to a four-year rookie contract. He joined a defensive unit still known for its hard-hitting tradition and quickly earned playing time, making his debut in the season opener at the Green Bay Packers. By October of his rookie year, he had earned his first career start and finished the 2017 season with 59 combined tackles, 15 pass deflections, one interception, and one sack in 15 games. His first career interception came against the Arizona Cardinals on December 31, 2017.
In 2018, Griffin was reunited with his twin brother Shaquem, who was drafted by the Seahawks in the fifth round. The brothers shared the field together for the first time in the NFL, a milestone that drew national attention. Shaquill recorded 62 total tackles, two interceptions, and eight passes defended that season, solidifying his role as a starting cornerback. He continued his steady production in 2019, finishing with 65 total tackles and 13 passes defended, which earned him a Pro Bowl selection as an alternate.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2021–2022)
On March 17, 2021, Griffin signed a three-year, $44.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, becoming a major addition to their secondary. In his first season with the team, he started 14 games and recorded 49 total tackles, seven passes defended, and one forced fumble. His veteran presence helped stabilize a young Jacksonville defense during a transitional period for the franchise.
Griffin’s second season in Jacksonville was cut short by a back injury that landed him on injured reserve in late October 2022. He started five games that year, finishing with 29 total tackles and four passes defended. The Jaguars released him on March 8, 2023, ending his time with the team. Despite the injury-shortened campaign, his leadership and experience remained valuable to the defensive unit during his tenure.
Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers (2023)
On May 13, 2023, Griffin signed with the Houston Texans in search of a fresh opportunity. He appeared in 10 games with six starts before being released on November 29, 2023. The following day, he was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers, providing him with a quick chance to continue his career. His brief stints with both teams reflected the fluid nature of veteran cornerback movement across the league.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2024)
On March 19, 2024, Griffin signed with the Minnesota Vikings, adding experience to their defensive backfield. He contributed throughout the 2024 season, helping mentor younger defensive backs while maintaining his role as a reliable coverage player. His time in Minnesota showcased his adaptability and durability, traits that have defined his career across multiple teams.
Seattle Seahawks Era (2025–Present)
On June 25, 2025, Griffin signed a one-year, $3 million contract to return to the Seattle Seahawks, the team that originally drafted him. The reunion marked a full-circle moment in his career, bringing him back to the franchise where he first made his name. He was released and re-signed to the practice squad multiple times during the season before being promoted back to the active roster in late November 2025. His return to Seattle has been marked by perseverance and a deep connection to the organization.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Griffin’s career came in 2018, when he was reunited on the field with his twin brother Shaquem Griffin as members of the Seattle Seahawks. Another milestone was his first career interception against the Arizona Cardinals in December 2017, a play that highlighted his growing confidence. His 2019 Pro Bowl selection served as a hallmark achievement, recognizing him among the league’s top cornerbacks that season.
Shaquill Griffin Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Shaquill Griffin was raised by his parents, Tangie Griffin and Terry Griffin, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He shares a uniquely close bond with his twin brother, Shaquem Griffin, a former NFL linebacker who also played college football at UCF. The two brothers remain deeply connected, having competed together in track, baseball, and football from childhood through the professional ranks.
Personal Life
Griffin has kept much of his personal life private, focusing publicly on his football career and family. His relationship with his twin brother Shaquem remains a central part of his personal story, with the two frequently supporting one another on and off the field. He continues to be regarded as a positive presence in the locker rooms of every team he has joined.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been one of the most unusual chapters of Griffin’s career. After signing with the Seattle Seahawks in June, he experienced several roster moves, including a release, a stint on the practice squad, and a return to the active roster in late November. Despite the turbulence, he remained committed to contributing whenever called upon. His veteran experience has been an asset to a Seattle defense that values depth and leadership in the secondary.
Griffin’s role with the Seahawks in 2025 has centered on providing experienced depth at cornerback while mentoring younger players. His ability to adapt quickly to different defensive schemes has been evident throughout his stops in Jacksonville, Houston, Carolina, and Minnesota. As the season progresses, his familiarity with Seattle’s defensive system continues to make him a valuable presence on the roster.
Looking ahead, Griffin’s journey reflects resilience and longevity in a league that demands constant adjustment. Whether contributing on defense or in the locker room, he remains focused on finishing his career on a strong note with the franchise that first believed in him. His 2025 campaign, though unconventional, underscores the determination that has defined his path since his early days at UCF.