Former Gamecock Connor Shaw Survives Heart Attack, Kicks Off Life-Saving AED Program
After a near-fatal heart attack struck during his son’s flag football game recently in Simpsonville, SC, Connor Shaw turned crisis into action. The ex-South Carolina quarterback is now spearheading a vital defibrillator initiative.
Connor Shaw – seen here in South Carolina’s matchup in the 2014 Capital One Bowl against the Wisconsin Badgers – survived a recent heart attack, and is now making the most of his second chance.
Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty ImagesAfter a near-fatal heart attack struck during his son's flag football game recently in Simpsonville, SC, Connor Shaw turned crisis into action. The ex-South Carolina quarterback is now spearheading a vital defibrillator initiative.
"Caleb and Zach, thank you for saving my life," Shaw stated in his social media post. The medical crisis struck the 33-year-old while coaching at Gracely Park on Sept. 17.
Two quick-thinking first responders stepped in when seconds counted. Off-duty firefighter Caleb Carter and police officer Zach Moore performed CPR until an AED arrived. Medical teams rushed Shaw to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital, where he spent time getting back on his feet.
Now, Shaw is channeling his second chance into The Heart Huddle. This fresh initiative aims to stock AEDs at recreation fields and middle school athletic sites throughout South Carolina. The plan includes bringing CPR skills to local residents.
"It's easy to get discouraged by the state of the world, and I've been reminded firsthand just how much good there is," Shaw said. "There are courageous, and bold, and kind, and selfless people who step up without hesitation."
Support poured in from the football community. The South Carolina squad honored Shaw during their Kentucky matchup on Sept. 27. Just seven days after his collapse, he stood strong on the same field, watching his son Decker's youth flag football squad compete.
Shaw's college stats tell a story of excellence. Between 2011 and 2013, he posted an impressive 27-5 record leading the Gamecocks. His arm racked up 6,074 passing yards while his legs added another 1,683 yards on the ground.
His NFL path wound through Cleveland and Chicago before injuries cut things short in 2020. The next chapter brought him back to his roots: working alongside head coach Shane Beamer as director of player development starting in 2021.
The Heart Huddle kicks into high gear at a tailgate during the South Carolina-Clemson clash on Nov. 29. Through this work, Shaw pushes to make life-saving tools standard at local sports venues.
