Former South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw shared an emotional message on Wednesday night, expressing gratitude to those who helped save his life after he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest last month.
In a heartfelt video posted to Facebook, the Flowery Branch native recounted the terrifying incident that occurred while he was coaching his 9-year-old son’s flag football team in September.
“One month ago today, I had heroes and an army of prayer warriors that helped pull me through,” Shaw said. “During my son’s flag football game, I collapsed into sudden cardiac arrest, and off-duty firefighter Caleb Carter and off-duty police officer Zach Moore rushed to my aid without hesitation. They began to perform CPR for five minutes until an AED arrived, which gave me another chance at life.”
Now on the road to recovery, Shaw is turning his experience into a mission to help others. He announced the creation of “Heart Huddle,” a new initiative aimed at expanding access to AEDs (automated external defibrillators) and promoting CPR preparedness.
“The truth is, less than 10% of people survive sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital,” Shaw explained. “I feel convicted to do something about it, to help people be prepared to save a life. That’s why I’m launching the Heart Huddle — a mission to purchase and place AEDs in areas of need, at rec department fields and middle school fields across communities in South Carolina.”
Shaw’s story is one of both resilience and gratitude. The former Gamecock legend remains a beloved figure in Columbia, remembered for his toughness and leadership during his time as South Carolina’s starting quarterback from 2011 to 2013. During his career, he threw for 6,074 yards and rushed for 1,683, guiding the Gamecocks to a 27–5 record — the best winning percentage by a starting QB in school history. In recognition of his achievements, he was inducted into the South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021.
Before his college career, Shaw was a standout at Flowery Branch High School, where he led the team to the Class 3A semifinals in 2009. His brother, Jaybo Shaw, now serves as the head coach at Dawson County High School.
With “Heart Huddle,” Connor Shaw hopes to turn his near-tragedy into a life-saving movement — one that inspires communities to act, prepare, and protect.
