Despite being bullied in the past, Kentucky Wildcats linebacker J.J. Weaver has not hesitated to speak publicly of his genetic marvel, as he was born with six fingers on his right hand.
The 21-year-old tried to hide his secret for several years, but fans spotted him wearing a glove with six fingers in photos, with many wondering whether it's an optical illusion. According to ESPN, Weaver has polydactyly, a condition which can present itself in one or two hands for people who are born with extra toes or fingers.
The 6ft 5in, 109kg American football star from Louisville has hidden his condition since birth. In his first two years at the Kentucky Wildcats, Weaver was not willing to unveil his secret due to the bullying he suffered at a young age because of his genetic condition. "I was always hiding my finger but never told anybody," Weaver said. "Because, you know, I was always picked on, bullied, because of being different about my extra finger. And they used to call me an alien."
After coming out about his condition, Weaver was invited to a school to talk to a couple of kids who were born with six fingers too and explain to the rest that it's ok to be different. "I am not the only one to have this story, so I am just opening up, finally telling my stories and having positive feedback on my finger," Weaver added. "It's a blessing trying to give the young kids hope."
He previously used a regular glove, forcing two of his fingers into one hole, but UK had a special glove made for this season. The extra finger probably does not deserve much credit for Weaver's pass-rushing prowess, but it might gain him more attention as he is tied for sixth in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) with 3.5 sacks through four games despite playing limited snaps as he works his way back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
All six fingers are functional and he is not hindered in any way. While playing on defence, Weaver doesn’t get to touch the ball often, but one can only assume he has a slight advantage on holding onto it when it does end up in his hands. His left hand has five fingers. He’s been a key member of the Kentucky defence which has helped the team to an undefeated record so far. Weaver has not given up hope of entering the NFL as he continues to make an impressive recovery from an torn ACL in his knee.