BOB, GROZ AND TOM

Shaquill Griffin: ‘I want to gain everybody’s trust so they can count on me’

Jun 2, 2018, 6:00 AM | Updated: 12:06 pm

Shaquill Griffin...

Shaquem Griffin joined his brother Shaquill as member of the Seahawks on Saturday. (AP)

(AP)

It’s been a whirlwind of a year for Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin. After signing a four-year, $3.25 million contract and finishing the season with 59 combined tackles, Griffin watched his twin brother Shaquem join the Seahawks in the draft.

“To see my mom talking, and have my whole family there to enjoy the experience. It was awesome,” said Griffin to 710 ESPN’s Bob, Groz, and Tom. “I was so happy to have my family there to enjoy the moment with us.”

Both brothers played together at the University of Central Florida for years, and now are being reunited. Born with amniotic band syndrome, Shaquem is the first one-handed player drafted into the NFL. His record 40 -yard dash in 4.38 seconds in the Combine further endeared him to scouts after an already stellar college career.

“I’m definitely glad to have him back,” said Shaquill. “I had faith that we were going to pick him up. The picks started flowing in, I started getting nervous, he’s nervous, we were just all over the place. But it was the perfect timing and I know he wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.”

RELATED: Seahawks’ Shaquill Griffin ‘learning something new every day’ from Richard Sherman

Shaquem signed a four-year deal worth $2.8 million. Since joining, Shaquill has taken to showing his twin brother the ropes on life as rookie.

“I’ve been getting on him early about everything, what to do, what not to do, how to carry yourself, what the coach is looking for,” said Griffin. “As a rookie they told me ‘Be seen and not heard.’ You’re a rookie, you pay your dues, and you play ball. That’s what you’re here for.”

For Shaquill, next season is a chance to embrace the added pressure of moving to the left side of defense after the departure of Sherman to the 49ers. He’s looking to improve on his quietly exceptional rookie season, where he started 11 games at right cornerback and ranked fourth in pass breakups and interceptions in the rookie class.

Moving to the left side of defense offers more responsibility

“It’s actually easy being left handed to cope with moving to the other side,” said Griffin. “Now it gives me a chance to take on that number one spot and continue to push everybody else. That’s what I’m working on most this year. I want to gain everybody’s trust, so they know they can count on me.”

“The way I looked at the offseason was just coming back bigger, stronger, and faster. I want to be way better than I was last year.”

Before he left, Bob, Groz, and Tom couldn’t help but ask about the potential speed rivalry between the two brothers.

How is your brother at 30 pounds heavier as fast as you?

“If you know how to run, you just run,” said Griffin, laughing. “I know the coaches are loving his speed right now.”

You’re still a little bit faster, aren’t you?

“He knows that.”

To listen to the full interview with Shaquill Griffin, head here.

Bob, Groz and Tom

Seahawks RB Chris Carson...

Brent Stecker

Heaps: Bench Chris Carson? Seahawks need him running to make playoffs

Seahawks running back Chris Carson is struggling with fumbles, and it's imperative he corrects the issue, says Jake Heaps. "If this team is going to go to the playoffs, they have to have Chris Carson running the football."

5 years ago

The Groz at T-Mobile Park...

Brent Stecker

Watch: The Groz throws out the 1st pitch before Mariners-Astros game

Dave "The Groz" Grosby was honored by the Mariners on Tuesday night by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Check out video, photos and more from his big night here.

5 years ago

Bob, Groz and Tom...

SeattleSports.com Staff

Highlights from The Groz’s last show on Bob, Groz and Tom

Dave "The Groz" Grosby signed off as a full-time Seattle sports radio host Friday on Bob, Groz and Tom with visits from several notable names from his career.

5 years ago

The Groz...

SeattleSports.com Staff

Watch: Members of the Seattle sports media pay tribute to The Groz

Watch a special tribute to 710 ESPN Seattle's The Groz featuring messages from members of the Seattle sports media to commemorate his 29 years as a daily host in the market.

5 years ago

The Groz...

Brent Stecker

The Groz’s final show on Bob, Groz and Tom airs Friday at noon

Dave "The Groz" Grosby will finish up his 29-year career as a daily Seattle sports radio host on Friday from noon to 3 p.m. on 710 ESPN Seattle's Bob, Groz and Tom.

5 years ago

Mariners OF Kyle Lewis...

Brent Stecker

What sets Mariners OF Kyle Lewis apart from other prospects?

Mariners outfielder Kyle Lewis hit his fifth home run in eight games in the big leagues on Wednesday. ROOT Sports analyst Mike Blowers talked to Bob, Groz and Tom about Lewis and what makes him stand out.

5 years ago

Shaquill Griffin: ‘I want to gain everybody’s trust so they can count on me’