Shaquem Griffin Talks Bringing Adaptable Fashion via Earthbound Partnership

Source: License Global

Former NFL star, now entrepreneur, innovator, connector and motivator, Shaquem Griffin has overcome several milestones in his life, never letting the fact that he was born with amniotic band syndrome hinder his ability. With a career filled with firsts, including being the first NFL player with one hand, being drafted by the Seattle Seahawks, and being inducted into the University of Central Florida Hall of Fame, Griffin can now cross another milestone off his list: collaborating with Earthbound on a line of apparel.

During Day 3 of Licensing Expo, Griffin took the stage to chat with Ian Hart, senior digital editor, License Global on believing in himself through his inspiring life journey, working with Earthbound on a new adaptive product range and his vision for expanding into other lifestyle categories. 

“I’ve been facing challenges since I was a baby,” says Griffin. “I couldn’t do any physical activities due to the condition I had.” 

Griffin brought up the story that saw him contemplating removing his own fingers from his left hand so he could do things without the pain his condition caused him. However, his mother stepped in to stop him before taking him to a doctor to have the amputation done safely. 

“That moment for me, I conceptualized that I had to cut something off to gain the freedom to do exactly what I wanted to do,” says Griffin. “That’s me being able to have a purpose and showing that I can be here, showing that I can play, showing that I deserve to be here no matter what.”

Authenticity in Partnerships 

Growing up, it was important for Griffin to find the right team, outside of those who said he couldn’t do something because of his condition. Finding that strong team dynamic helped Griffin throughout his life by having a group of supporters that helped him achieve everything he knew he was capable of and vice versa. 

“I take that to the business world now, aligning myself with amazing, authentic, genuine people who just love to see people succeed,” says Griffin. “Being able to acknowledge that, I would love to be a part of a team who has the same core values as me, where I can be myself and help a partner in the best way.” 

That longing for authenticity shines through Griffin’s partnership with Earthbound to develop a line of apparel that ranges from athleisure and athletic wear to tailored suits. The collaboration will see the products put fashion first while offering a parallel collection of adaptable apparel design for individuals with disabilities.  

“We can all be together, but it takes one person to create that environment and Earthbound is an extension of that family, that team, that’s helping us to be able to serve them,” says Griffin. “We’re calling it the YOU Brand, which stands for ‘you, others, us.’ It’s a direct representation [of my family].” 

Griffin’s love of fashion and eye for adaptability play a big role in his partnership with Earthbound. 

“Our main focus is we would not compromise fashion for adaptability. We’re going to bring it all together,” says Griffin. 

In the future, Griffin says he would love to create adaptable homeware and affordable prosthetics for those who face similar challenges to himself. 

“The ability to be vulnerable and talk about certain things that we have issues with when it comes to adaptive clothing, or the market is important. To be accepted by Earthbound, to be an extension of their family and for them to help us bring this inclusive adaptive line to the world is huge.” 

Griffin was speaking at Licensing Expo, which is taking place at Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev., from May 20 – 22.