Former Tennessee Titans and Penn State linebacker Tim Shaw is taking on a battle with ALS, but the Titans are making sure he remains a part of their organization for a very long time. Shaw signed a one-day contract with the team and was designated as a Titan for Life by the franchise.
Titans head coach Mike Mularkey addressed the team at training camp and informed them of a new signing to address a spot on the roster to fill some depth on defense and special teams, which Shaw contributed to during his time in the NFL. After setting things up, in stepped Shaw to a round of applause from the Titans players, as he made his entrance and worked his way up to the podium to sign his contract. It was all captured on video by the Titans, with interviews with Shaw and members of his family.
"Titans are family." – Tim Shawhttps://t.co/od9EDrwmV2
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 3, 2016
The possibility to do such an honor for Shaw came about on a whim this week. The Titans had an open spot on the roster after waiving cornerback Bennett Okotcha. With the vacant spot to be filled, the Titans decided it would be a nice gesture to fill the spot with Shaw after he had already addressed the team in his speaking role.
Just to prove this was a totally official move, here is the waiver transaction update…
Roster move.@TShawsTruth @Titans pic.twitter.com/sOwAP5T6BQ
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) August 3, 2016
Shaw, a former team captain for the Titans during his three seasons in the league, was diagnosed with ALS in 2014. The Titans have been by his side in every way possible since, and will continue to be there for him as his fight continues.
“It means the world to have this organization behind me,’’ Shaw told his new teammates, and coaches. “It is going to make a difference in my life, but really it is going to make a difference in more peoples’ lives because the ALS community needs recognition and we need support like this … It really does mean the world.”
Good job by the Titans here, and hopefully this will lead to more awareness about ALS in the years to come.
