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The Ice Bucket Challenge has special meaning for former NFL player Tim Shaw.
Shaw, a linebacker and special teams standout who last played for the Tennessee Titans, announced Tuesday that he’s been diagnosed with ALS.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Shaw Announced His Diagnosis, Then Took the Ice Bucket Challenge
(TitansOnline.com)
Shaw revealed his diagnosis in a video posted on the Titans website.
“I’m Tim Shaw,” he says in the video. “A year ago, I was playing NFL football. I’ve recently been diagnosed with ALS. I’m here today to stand up and fight with all of you against this disease.”
2. He Nominated the Titans, Penn State & His Home Town in Michigan to Take the Challenge
The #Titans have been issued the #ALSicebucketchallenge by @TShawsTruth and WILL respond: http://t.co/QQozY9329p. pic.twitter.com/DVsP1ROppA
— Tennessee Titans (@TennesseeTitans) August 20, 2014
Shaw, who starred at Penn State and wore a Penn State t-shirt while taking the challenge, nominated the Titans organization, the Penn State team and coach James Franklin, and his home town of Clarenceville, Michigan, to take the challenge.
The Titans later tweeted that they would have a response.
3. He Holds the Bears Record for Special Teams Tackles in a Season
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Shaw set the Bears single-season record with 30 special teams tackles in 2009, making 8 tackles and forcing a fumble in the regular season finale against the Detroit Lions.
4. He’s One of Several Former NFL Players With ALS
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Several former NFL players are living with ALS, including former New Orleans Saint Steve Gleason, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2013 and has become a world-renowned activist whose Team Gleason organization raises money and awareness to combat the disease.
Gleason’s teammate, Scott Fujita, nominated NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to take the Ice Bucket Challenge. Goodell accepted and also made a donation to Team Gleason.
The Chicago Tribune notes that former NFL fullback Kevin Turner and former NFL linebacker O.J. Brigance are also living with the disease.
5. Shaw Was Drafted by the Panthers in 2007
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The Carolina Panthers took Shaw in the fifth round of the 2007 draft. He played one year in Carolina before signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2008. He played for the Bears in 2009 and 2010 and the Titans from 2010 to 2012.
