Simpsonville, South Carolina, September 19, 2025

News Summary

Connor Shaw, a former quarterback for the University of South Carolina, collapsed while coaching his son’s 8U flag football game at Gracely Park in Simpsonville. Shaw is currently in stable condition at Greenville Memorial Hospital, with the cause of the collapse still unknown. The 33-year-old athlete, known for his remarkable college football career and record at USC, has transitioned to coaching roles in recent years. His recovery was reported positively, indicating alertness and communication according to the current head coach.

Simpsonville, South Carolina

Connor Shaw, former quarterback for the University of South Carolina, collapsed while coaching his son’s 8U flag football game on September 17. The incident occurred approximately 15 minutes after the game began at Gracely Park in Simpsonville.

The City of Simpsonville released a statement on September 18 confirming that Shaw is in stable condition and recovering at Greenville Memorial Hospital. The cause of Shaw’s collapse is currently unknown.

Shaw, who is 33 years old, played for the Gamecocks from 2010 to 2013 under coach Steve Spurrier. He hails from Flowery Branch, Georgia, where he also played for Flowery Branch High School. Following his college career, Shaw signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and competed in one game against the Baltimore Ravens, completing 14 of 28 passes for 177 yards with one interception.

He later joined the Chicago Bears, spending the 2016 and 2017 seasons with the team, although he spent his first season on injured reserve and was released in September 2017. Shaw was set to become Furman University’s tight ends coach in 2018 but resigned before the season began.

In 2020, Shaw was hired by former South Carolina coach Will Muschamp as the director of player development and was subsequently promoted to quarterbacks coach. He remained on the staff after Muschamp was dismissed, transitioning to director of football relations in 2021 under the offensive staff led by Marcus Satterfield before departing from the staff in February 2022.

Shaw holds the record for most wins by a Gamecocks quarterback with 27 wins and ended his college career with 6,074 passing yards and 56 touchdowns. Notably, he maintained a perfect record of 17-0 at Williams-Brice Stadium. In his senior year, he recorded 2,447 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and just one interception, and was also second on the team in rushing yards with 558 yards.

Shaw’s accomplishments were recognized in 2021 when he was inducted into the South Carolina athletics hall of fame. He has since embraced family life, marrying his wife Molly in the summer of 2014, and together they have three children, including a daughter born in September 2014, a son born in 2016, and another child born in 2023.

During a radio show, current South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer mentioned that he had heard Shaw was “alert and communicating,” suggesting a positive recovery trajectory following this alarming event.

Background Context

Connor Shaw made a significant mark during his time at the University of South Carolina. As one of the program’s most celebrated quarterbacks, he enjoyed tremendous success, leading the Gamecocks during a pivotal era in their football history. His journey through college football culminated in his induction into the athletics hall of fame, a testament to his outstanding performance on the field.

Quick Facts on Connor Shaw

• Born in Flowery Branch, Georgia
• Played for the Gamecocks from 2010 to 2013
• Most wins by a Gamecocks quarterback: 27
• Passing yards: 6,074
• Touchdowns: 56
• Inducted into the South Carolina athletics hall of fame: 2021
• Married with three children

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Additional Resources

• The State: USC Football Article
• Wikipedia: Connor Shaw
• WSPA: USC Vigil for Charlie Kirk
• Google Search: Connor Shaw collapse
• WYFF: Gamecocks Coach Injured in DUI Crash

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