Former NFL and UCF linebacker Shaquem Griffin ’16 will serve as the keynote speaker at the 2024 UCF Countdown to Kickoff Luncheon, presented by KnightPass.
Held annually to raise philanthropic support for UCF student-athletes, this year’s luncheon is scheduled for Friday, August 16, at Addition Financial Arena. To date, the countdown to kickoff event has raised $560,000.
Friday, August 16, 2024
11 a.m. | Registration
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Luncheon
Addition Financial Arena
12777 Gemini Blvd. N
Orlando, FL 32816
In addition to Griffin’s keynote address, guests will have the opportunity to hear from university and athletics leadership, including UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright, Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir and head football coach Gus Malzahn during the event program. Knightro, the spirit team and Marching Knights will all make appearances, as well.
Shaquem’s Story
Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, Griffin was a defensive star at UCF, where he played with his twin brother, fellow alum and current Minnesota Vikings cornerback, Shaquill. Griffin was named the 2018 Peach Bowl Defensive MVP and the 2016 American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year, helping the Knights to an undefeated season, AAC championship and New Year’s Six title. After his college career and running the fastest 40-year dash time for a linebacker at the NFL Scouting Combine (4.38 seconds), Griffin was selected in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, reuniting him with Shaquill in Seattle.
Griffin was born with amniotic band syndrome affecting his left hand, leading to an amputation when he was 4. When the Seahawks selected him, he became the first one-handed player picked in the NFL Draft. He now shares his amazing story as a motivational speaker and was recently named to the Big 12 Conference Alumni Council.
Ticket Information
A limited number of tickets and tables are still available and can purchased online! Individual tickets are $150. Corporate tables and additional opportunities to support the event begin at $1,500, which includes two UCF Athletics football student-athletes, coaches or staff seated with them.
Reserve your seat today: foundation.ucf.edu/kickoffluncheon2024
Questions about tickets and sponsorship opportunities can be directed to chargeonfund@ucfathletics.org or 407.882.1289.
KnightPass is a UCF-branded specialty toll sticker that works on all toll roads throughout Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. KnightPass offers exclusive toll discounts and is available for purchase online and at the UCF bookstore. KnightPass is a product of E-PASS, owned and operated by the Central Florida Expressway Authority. Learn more at www.getknightpass.com.