A photo of a football player is making people do double takes across the world after his genetic mystery was revealed.
J.J. Weaver is a 1.96m, 109kg linebacker who just happens to have six fingers on his right hand.
The college football player’s secret was revealed this weekend in a photo that is going viral on social media.
It isn’t hard to see why.
The 21-year-old’s secret remained uncovered during his first two seasons playing for the Kentucky Wildcats, but he has now come forward to bluntly show off his genetic marvel.
Weaver’s photo also explains some rumblings on social media which appeared to question an optical illusion with some photos appearing to show Weaver wearing a glove with six fingers.
Those eagle-eyed fans were proven correct with ESPN earlier this month running a feature story on Weaver’s six-fingered hand.
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.
The story showcased it was inevitable for Weaver’s news to remain hidden after the University had a special glove made to accommodate an extra finger earlier this year.
Weaver is in his third season with the Wildcats and through six games he has 17 total tackles and four sacks,” Fox News reports.
He’s been a key member of the Kentucky defence which has helped the team to an undefeated record so far.
Weaver’s photo went viral ahead of the pivotal SEC showdown with Georgia on Sunday morning (AEST), but one of the best reactions came from former New York Yankees pitcher Jim Abbott.
Abbott, who was born without a right hand, tweeted: “No fair.”
Abbott played for five teams, including the Yankees from 1993 to 1994. He threw a no-hitter with New York in 1993. He also had two hits in 21 at-bats as a major leaguer as well. He won a gold medal in the 1988 Olympic Games.
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.