He dominated on the football field, but now his biggest opponent is himself. Former Penn State linebacker Tim Shaw is battling ALS disease, but he fought his way back to Happy Valley to share his story with the hope to inspire others.
Shaw said he fell in love with football at a young age. His passion for the game brought him to Penn State.
“For me, the best part was just being part of a place where people care so much about the team,” said Shaw.
Surprisingly, Shaw’s father did not share the same love for the game.
“I’m not a football fan, but watching my own son do something he’s passionate about was wonderful,” said John Shaw.
After graduating from Penn State in 2006 Shaw was drafted into the NFL.
“Your living your dream. I always wanted to play football,” said Shaw. “So what a fun time to be able to run down the football field, hit people, and get paid for it. Man, it was a blast.”
Seven years later, his football career was cut short.
“My body was just not responding the way it always has,” said Shaw.
Lou Gehrig’s disease has robbed Shaw of his muscles, but he won’t let it stop him from living.
“To understand the brevity of life, the fact that any day can be your last is a real life-altering perspective.”
With no time to waste, Shaw wrote a book “Blitz Your Life.” It’s an inside look at his life, career, and battle with ALS.