Jim Abbott Sends Message to Shaquem Griffin After Epic NFL Combine Performance

Following Shaquem Griffin's star-making turn at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine, former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott praised the linebacker's performance and talent. 

"I just love him," Abbott told TMZ Sports about Griffin. "His determination is fierce. I just feel like you can see the burning desire within him with every step, so I'm a big fan. I'm really rooting for him."

Abbott pitched for 10 MLB seasons between 1989-99 despite being born without a right hand. He has served as a motivational speaker since his baseball career came to an end. 

Griffin had his left hand amputated at the age of four after being diagnosed with amniotic band syndrome, which prevented his fingers from fully developing. 

At the NFL combine, Griffin used a prosthetic hand to do 20 reps on the bench press, and his 4.38 40-yard dash was the fastest by a linebacker since 2003. 

The MMQB's Albert Breer noted one college scouting director believes Griffin will be a fourth-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft. He was named a second-team All-American in 2017 with 13.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks to help Central Florida go 13-0.