INFORMATIVE: Why do you think Shaquem Griffin chose to write an open letter to general managers in the NFL? What is Griffin's point of view the letter and how does he use his personal experiences to defend it? What do you think he hoped to accomplish by publishing this letter online? Write a response in which you answer these questions. Remember to use textual evidence to support your response.

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Shaquem Griffin’s open letter to NFL general managers is both a passionate plea for fairness and a call to reassess outdated criteria that dismiss athletes based solely on physical differences. In his letter, Griffin argues that his abilities on the field should be evaluated on performance, toughness, and heart—not just on the perfection of his physical attributes. His point of view is that determinism—judging a player solely on an absent limb—is inherently flawed and ignores the full spectrum of talent and determination that a player like himself can offer.

To make his case more compelling, Griffin draws on his personal experiences as an athlete born without a left hand. He explains how he has overcome challenges that most of us can’t imagine, using adversity as fuel for improvement rather than letting it define him. For example, he discusses how having a disability forced him to develop unconventional techniques and a resilient work ethic that ultimately made him a more dynamic and resourceful player. By sharing these intimate details, Griffin argues, “I’m more than just my missing hand; I’m a testament to overcoming odds.” (Note: This paraphrase reflects the sentiment expressed in his actual letter.) This personal narrative not only humanizes his argument but also serves as a powerful counterpoint to the “if you can’t do it perfectly, you shouldn’t do it” mentality that might prevail in professional sports evaluations.

Publishing the letter online also had strategic importance. By taking his message directly to the public, Griffin was able to bypass traditional media filters and ensure that his perspective reached a wide audience—fans, players, and decision-makers alike. He likely hoped that an open, public dialogue would pressure general managers to reconsider their hiring policies and, more broadly, challenge the systemic biases within sports that often overlook talent due to preconceived notions about physical limitations. Essentially, his aim was to inspire both a cultural and a practical shift in how teams evaluate potential players—a move that could create more opportunities for athletes with disabilities and other perceived imperfections.

In summary, Griffin’s letter is a blend of personal testimony and a broader social critique. He uses his own struggles and achievements to debunk myths about disability and performance, urging NFL decision-makers to recognize that success in sports is built on skill, determination, and heart—not just on physical conformity. His ultimate goal in publishing the letter online was to spark a change in the NFL’s recruitment culture and to advocate for merit as the true measure of athletic talent.
Shaquem Griffin wrote an open letter to NFL general managers to advocate for fairness and challenge the idea that physical imperfections should limit a player's opportunities. He shared his personal experiences, overcoming challenges like being born without a left hand, to argue that his abilities and determination should be evaluated based on performance and heart, not just physical perfection. By publishing the letter online, Griffin aimed to raise awareness and encourage NFL teams to reconsider their hiring policies, creating more opportunities for athletes with disabilities and promoting merit-based assessments in sports.

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