When he came into the league in 2017, cornerback Shaquill Griffin wasnt asked to be one of the leaders in the locker room for the Seahawks defense. And honestly, he didn't need to be.

With "Legion of Boom" members Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, and Richard Sherman still residing in the secondary, Griffin was able to work on his own game learning from the veterans and didnt have to focus on helping and teaching his teammates.

However, with Thomas and Sherman now playing for different teams and Chancellor retired, Griffin has transitioned into a leader for his secondary counterparts to rely on. Along with aiming to develop into one of the better all-around corners in the league, Griffin is also attempting to become a better man, which has become a very meaningful trait for the third-year pro.

I feel like I was being selfish in a way. Ive never been that type of guy, nowhere in my life have I ever been selfish. I feel like thinking the way I was thinking last year was kind of selfish, Griffin said before Thursdays practice. I feel like I had to change the way I was thinking for myself. Not just helping me become a better player, but a better person, a better man."

"Thats the type of mindset I was thinking in the offseason. I brought it into this season. Putting others before myself. Thats the type of mindset I came in with.

Griffin continued to say he prioritized his personal stats over focusing on what he could do to help his football team. The Central Florida graduate made it a priority to come into this new season with a changed mindset, wanting to help and encourage his teammates to succeed as well as focusing on his own success at the same time.

I feel like my last couple of years was about how many stats I had, or what I could get. Instead of keeping my focus on What can I do for this team, or how can I help this team win, Griffin said. Even if it was in practice, making the guy across from me better, or just doing what I need to do right for my play to make sure everything goes correctly. Thats the type of mindset that I brought in this year.

Specifically, Griffin has really enjoyed watching his teammates enjoy so much success through the Seahawks first six games of the season. As Griffin told reporters, not focusing on just himself has actually driven the 24-year old to play even better.

Not just myself, seeing Tre Flowers having the first pick of his career, things like that motivate me even more, Griffin said. Im having fun seeing those guys make plays. That just comes from not thinking of myself, being selfless, and watching guys do great.

Playing with an improved mindset has certainly benefited Griffin so far this season. Starting all six games for Seattle, he has recorded a total of 25 tackles along with six crucial pass deflections, including one that led to an interception by Tedric Thompson last Sunday in Cleveland.

With the Seahawks set to take on the 4-1 AFC North division-leading Ravens on Sunday, Griffin will need to play a major role in defending an explosive offense led by dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson. With there being a chance veteran safety Bradley McDougald won't be able to play, his newly-discovered leadership skills should come in quite handy.

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'Less Selfish' CB Shaquill Griffin Thriving On and Off the Field for Seahawks - Sports Illustrated