Connor Shaw, a South Carolina football icon, has faced a challenging health crisis recently. The former quarterback’s ordeal began when he fainted while coaching his son Decker’s 10-and-under flag football team. A week later, he was back on the same field, demonstrating his determination to overcome the adversity that had plagued him.
The incident occurred on September 18th during a game near Gracely Park, where Shaw collapsed unexpectedly. Coach Chad Smith witnessed the alarming moment and immediately sprang into action. After assessing Shaw, Smith activated CPR while awaiting professional medical assistance. He recounted, “So they brought the side-by-side from the fire department with a gurney on it. Once they got him stable, they put him in the back of the side-by-side and took him to the ambulance.”
Following the swift response, Shaw was transported to the ICU at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital. There, his condition stabilized, and he even managed to attend his son’s tournament shortly after, expressing heartfelt reflections on social media: “It’s been an emotional week. Proud of Decker getting back on the field. They sure are a special group of kids. It’s always bigger than a ball.” Despite the absence of definitive information regarding his health scare, early reports hinted at the possibility of a heart attack.
In a recent update shared on social media, Shaw posted a video of himself throwing a football, along with the caption “Back from IR.” While this indicates a return to coaching his son’s team, concerns remain about his ongoing health issues. This latest development is particularly tough for someone whose career has been built on resilience, facing numerous challenges head-on.
Shaw’s history of injuries dates back to 2015 when he suffered a hand injury during the preseason while playing for the Cleveland Browns, an incident that sidelined him for the entire season. Later, in an attempt to revive his career with the Chicago Bears, he faced further injuries that ultimately led to the cessation of his professional career in 2020.
Despite these setbacks, Connor Shaw’s dedication to football never wavered. In 2020, he rejoined his former team, South Carolina, serving as the director of player development. He later worked alongside head coach Shane Beamer, contributing to the football program’s relations beginning in 2021.
Shaw’s connection to the Gamecocks runs deep, having played there from 2010 to 2013. He took the starting position after then-head coach Steve Spurrier made the bold decision to bench Stephen Garcia midway through the 2011 season. Shaw rose to the occasion, leading the team to victories against formidable opponents such as Kentucky, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Florida, Clemson, and Nebraska that year. Remarkably, every season Shaw started, the Gamecocks won 11 games and ranked in the top 10 of the Associated Press poll.
His most impressive season occurred in 2013 when he threw for 2,447 yards, completing 24 touchdowns with just one interception. Not only did he excel through the air, but he also showcased his rushing capabilities, accumulating 558 rushing yards and scoring 6 additional touchdowns. To add to his legacy, Shaw is the second quarterback in Gamecocks history to throw 58 passing touchdowns, trailing only Steve Taneyhill, and he ranks sixth in the program’s history with 6,074 career passing yards.
At this time, the primary concern remains Shaw’s health, as he continues to navigate recovery after his medical emergency. The football community and fans alike are hopeful for his swift return to full health, as he embodies the spirit of perseverance both on and off the field.
