It’s not often a player goes from NFL starter to fourth-stringer and still has what one would call a successful year.

Then again, Shaquem Griffin has already proven he is not your typical NFL player.

Griffin, the twin brother of Seahawks corner Shaquill Griffin, became the first NFL player without the use of one of his hands, after amniotic band syndrome forced him to have it amputated at age four.

Still, that never stopped Griffin from competing, and the help of his brother allowed him to reach his dreams – first at the University of Central Florida and again with the Seahawks after getting selected in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Griffin earned the starting nod at weakside linebacker in Week 1 against the Broncos, thanks to an injury to veteran K.J. Wright. Griffin looked overmatched however, and ended up spending the rest of the season as a key component to Seattle’s special teams units.

He finished his first NFL season with 11 solo tackles and 14 combined.

Still, despite the setback in year one, Griffin is turning his sights to year two.

“Very excited,” Griffin said when asked about 2019. “Being that we’re young and coming up and we showed a lot of teams and we showed a lot of organizations that we’re not the team to be messed with, it kind of gave you that sense of (wanting to) hurry up and get back. Obviously, we’ve got to go through the offseason but I know I’m excited to get back and be around the guys again and get back to work.”

The Seahawks have indicated they hope to bring back linebacker Mychal Kendricks. While K.J. Wright’s future is up in the air, coach Pete Carroll has indicated they would love to have him back. Additionally, fellow linebacker Austin Calitro is still in the fold as well.

Griffin will have to fight to earn a spot on Seattle’s defense next season – but fight is something he is familiar with.