Justin Shaffer

Justin Donnnell Shaffer (born June 20, 1998) is an American football guard who is a free agent. He has previously played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Atlanta Falcons. He played college football at Georgia.

Early years
Shaffer grew up in Ellenwood, Georgia and attended Cedar Grove High School. He was rated a three-star recruit and initially committed to play college football at Louisville during his junior year. Shaffer flipped his commitment to Georgia shortly before National Signing Day.

College career
Shaffer saw playing time as a reserve offensive lineman as a freshman and sophomore. He made his first career start as a junior against Tennessee and started the next game before suffering a season-ending neck injury. Shaffer started all of the Bulldogs' regular season games at left tackle and started in the 2021 Peach Bowl at left guard. Shaffer decided to utilize the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes who played in the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic and return to Georgia for a fifth season.

Professional career
Shaffer was drafted in the sixth round with the 190th pick by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was waived on August 30 and re-signed to the practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract on January 9, 2023.

On August 29, 2023, Shaffer was waived by the Falcons and re-signed to the practice squad. Following the end of the 2023 regular season, he signed a reserve/future contract on January 10, 2024. Shaffer was released by the Falcons on March 28.

Personal life
Shaffer is first cousins with DeAngelo Malone who also was drafted by the Falcons in the 2022 NFL Draft.