Former NFL Player Tim Shaw Shares Life With ALS | The Players' Tribune

Five years after being diagnosed with ALS at age 29, former Titans special teams captain Tim Shaw encourages his younger self to "live your best life today and enjoy every little blessing."
#TimShaw #TennesseeTitans #ALS #ThePlayersTribune
» Subscribe to The Players' Tribune: playerstribu.ne/KZbin
» Visit The Players' Tribune website for the latest written and video content: www.theplayerstribune.com
About The Players' Tribune:
Welcome to The Players’ Tribune, a media platform that presents the voices of professional athletes, bringing fans closer to the games they love than ever before. Founded by Derek Jeter in 2014, The Players’ Tribune aims to provide unique insight into the daily sports conversation and publishes first-person stories directly from athletes. From video to podcasts to player polls and written pieces, The Tribune strives to be “The Voice of the Game.”
Get More of The Players' Tribune:
Official Website: www.theplayerstribune.com/
Twitter: playerstribu.ne/Twitter
Facebook: playerstribu.ne/Facebook
Instagram: playerstribu.ne/Instagram
Subscribe to our KZbin: playerstribu.ne/KZbin
The Players' Tribune
/ theplayerstribune

[@fabinho_4244]

why is this inspiring man not getting any attention? true words

[@joeschuster2002]

Im ashamed of myself when i watch this. This man give his all to live life everyday.

[@sharon3576]

Trying hard to put the emotions into words. Really a touching one, don't give up and stay strong..God bless you Tim

[@covfefe1787]

this sport is what cost him his life his quality the NFL needs to make this a safer sport NFL players a three times as likely to develop fatal neurological diseases then the general or at risk population

[@alicew3563]

@@covfefe1787 A lot of soccer player (fotball in Europe and the rest of the world) are also suffering from ALS, this kind of football is far from being as physical as American football.I think it's obvious it probably has something to do with the field they play on. Perhaps the toxins from when they prepare the grass? Nevertheless, it's nothing but a scandal they do not connect the dots in this. Such a tragedy!

[@allaboutroofing2]

It doesn't work that way tho, it's a fast moving disease and you can't fight it. Also, stephen Hawking didn't have ALS in my opinion. There is another disease PLS that mirrors the symptoms, but is much slower progression. Interestingly, stephen hawking supposedly died at least a month before his family knew he was dead and was found in autopsy. Does that make sense? It doesn't at all to me.

[@bigcamel]

@@alicew3563 this is true, I'm here because of an Egyptian soccer player named Momen Zakaria who is suffering from the same player, it could be the chemicals because some recent research has indicated that ALS might be due to toxins but it could also be repeated physical impact, Allah knows best

[@tobyhale3424]

Tim I just heard about you and watched your video. It touched me very much . I’ve been diagnosed with ALS last year. I just moved to Tennessee from California. Iam sorry you got it so young . Iam 65 now but I can relate to what experiencing. God bless you Tim.

[@VillaWolf24]

This type of content should be getting millions of views...Really touching and real life stuff here. Wish you nothing but the best Tim as you conquer this chapter in your life. God Bless you and your family, and Thank You for sharing your Story.

[@Voltis-5]

Not in today's society, unfortunately. Real life events like this isn't important to people in unless it happens to them. 15 min of fame is what they all seek.

[@kidneytransplantwarrior21]

@@Voltis-5 Not until I make a cure.

[@a-dub3091]

I’m literally sitting here dripping tears out my eyes & just thinking about how the smallest things we take for granted can be taken away at any moment 💯

[@ernestk522]

exactly

[@vicmaine05]

I have ALS too, prayers for you my friend. I’ve lost soooo much as well. I try to find joy in every day.

[@BryanInMI]

Tim went to high school with my boys. I watched him throughout his glory days at Clarenceville High School. He finished with a 3.9 GPA, and his father served on the Board of Education with me. Tim, his brothers, and his mom and dad, were simply put, great students, great parents, and great role models in our community. Not a nicer family to be found. I still have a football that he autographed for me, during his senior year at Clarenceville. He was number 8 during his Trojan years. Most folks know Tim's story through football, but I know his whole story. What he did for his community, what he did around the world, to help others, during the off season, when he was in the NFL. His parents raised the Shaw boys right, and Clarenceville is a better place, because of the impact they made. Not just Tim, but the whole family. It doesn't surprise me one little bit, the way they have handled this heartbreaking situation, because I knew the Shaw family. Always a deep abiding faith in God, always grateful for His blessings, and above all, always humble. John, Sharon, Pete, Andrew, and Tim will be in my nightly prayers tonight, and in the future...

[@brynnziegler7581]

i remember when we learned about him when i was in 6th grade, he ended up even coming to both schools and everyone met him during the beginning stage of his illness. he is the reason i know about ALS. i graduated last year and time and time again i remember him and see how he is doing. he is so strong.

[@hannahartman6424]

I lost my mom to ALS in February....this 5 minute video ripped me apart and gave me so much hope. Keep fighting!

[@andrewdunkin4632]

People should go pick up his book - I just finished reading it. A true inspiration

[@michaelyoungs174]

I met this guy and stayed at his house he’s a really nice guy thanks Tim Shaw!

[@syedtabrez973]

How is he doing now let me know iam from india

[@katherinekuzma7019]

You are a true ambassador for Christ. Thank you for your witness. My husband and I went to college with your brothers. You and your family are in our prayers.

[@kariwattsup]

This is very hard for me to watch. What I have to look forward to in my own life. He is so fortunate to have his parents so lovingly care for him. I feel this. 🥺

[@Dallas-wu6st]

Wow, what a fine example of a human being and the spirit of human dignity! I wish Tim the best and may he live a full and happy life.

[@mattk1023]

Such a strong dude we went to cville together such a nice humble guy never bullied or pushed anyone around he loved everyone still does. I wish the best for you man sincerely Matthew Kane

[@billf5357]

God bless you, knowing it's a battle your fighting, and I know the feeling of the doctors words, not having ALS but fighting cancer, stay strong my friend..

[@lawncrew9886]

You too stay strong my friend

[@ds--pu1tv]

Hope your doing well these days.

[@joelturner5957]

You are a beautiful soul

[@sevenapples5474]

watching his old elderly dad have to pull him out thd chair made my eyes water😢

[@dboy730]

💯💯 respect kinda reminds me of when my dad had Parkinson's and I seen how he didn't try to let it conquer him

[@MartinGarcia-km4qs]

ALS is so cruel!! I cant stop crying! This is the worst illness anyone can have! Its like a death sentence. Unlike a convict being sentenced to death, this is a diagnosis that you didnt bring on yourself. Unlike a long time smoker who developes lung cancer, or an alcoholic who gets liver cancer, ALS doesnt discriminates.

[@betinasway2]

moved and touched. Thank you Tim for keeping everything in perspective in my life. You are an inspiration to us all to live life to the fullest every day!

[@7amber7]

Sad. Inspiring. Profound. God bless you Tim. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@MEDLINvisuals]

Emotional video. You hear about players dealing with the side effects of playing high level football but rarely do you see it happening to somebody so young. Praying for him

[@wasabiq2202]

This is the best video of players tribune like ever. Thank you so much for sharing. I will give it my all to live life to the fullest and be thankful for the blessings and relationships along the way. Keep embracing the grind Tim. Prayers for you and your family.

[@ambero5308]

literally watching and dripping tears over my keyboard. this disease ..... sucks. my father passed 1 year after diagnoses. Tim, Godspeed.

[@jillnunnen1815]

Sobbing my heart out.....omg! Such a braveheart.

[@QuanRite]

God Bless You Brother

[@gaspackmarlee5889]

This Was Sad But Beautiful And A Good Ass Message Stay Blessed Everyone

[@WorldDiscretion]

Thank you, Tim

[@_ANAM3K]

God bless Tim ♥️♥️

[@scottlee8498]

Just am amazingly awesome person. He has a positive attitude that is hard to fathom. I needed to see this. Thank you Tim.

[@asformeandmyhousewewillser2290]

😭😭😭 This is so tragic & truly a heartbreaking story. I'm so happy that he has a loving & supportive family and positive attitude. That makes a huge difference. Prayers going up for comfort & healing right now.💝 God bless you, buddy. 💝😘💝

[@2111jade]

Same. I started crying the second it started.

[@danijelapehar4174]

I'm not crying😭

[@dewiatmawijaya6859]

keep up the spirit, even though the tests of life you experience don't lose to circumstances, keep fighting, I hope you are always healthy💕

[@griff404]

I think we should have the option whether or not to keep going after being diagnosed with something like that. As inspirational as this is, some people would rather not live at all and they should be granted that. I know I would like to have the option if something ever happened to me.

[@legendkyd2474]

Why would you not want to live?

[@wastenotime27]

Speechless

[@rickyten]

I Hope you are Doing Good Tim !! You are my Hero. I played Football in Hamburg, Germany. I Played Linebacker and my Number was 59 :) Now i have a ALS suspicion, I’m just 28 years Old. I hope they do well in research and find a cure soon... END ALS ! Much Love & Dont give up !

[@parthianwarrior1901]

Are you als now?

[@RockOrgan]

Wow, it’s awesome how he is struggling yet still loves the Lord

[@jamesbyrge6484]

Incredible Tim. I salute you Sir. Titan Up!

[@VideoAce100]

Tim is amazing

[@wiltedangel]

i had tim shaw's dad as my school's librarian he played us this video one day we all started crying

[@syedtabrez973]

How is tim now

[@ernestk522]

@@syedtabrez973 he is still alive

[@syedtabrez973]

@@ernestk522 thank god. but my brother passed away from this cruel disease at young age he was only 39 when he died

[@mysticstylez5854]

What an inspiration Tim is. Although his story literally brings me to tears when i watch his videos or speeches, his larger than life courage really does something for me as a person. He is a great motivational speaker and really has a way with words. It makes me so happy to see that he is still in this fight.

[@robmoyer2958]

God bless ya tim . I am praying for you . I appreciate you and ure strength l!. In really sorry . But im also really proud to call you one of my favorite penn state players of all time. God bless brother . Stay strong .

[@lisaferrin362]

I love this! Wow! This guy is a class act.. Keep fighting brother! Sending love and prayers from Minnesota!

[@elmobolan4274]

My husband was diagnosed w/muscular dystrophy at 28...he's now 47 and yes worse...be thankful for ur health...

[@lindachristiansen9271]

You are an inspiration and reminder to others to be appreciative of what you have and what is important. Live life to the fullest!

[@cajen99]

Wow!! This was incredibly profound and inspiring! May God bless this man in this difficult journey and continue to give him a peace beyond understanding.

[@Jdub14000]

Stay strong and praying for you Tim.

[@DCFunBud]

What a wise man.

[@elizabetheddy1073]

Thank you so much Tim for sharing all of your emotions and being such an inspiration! I’ve had some pretty low times in my life, one of them is now because I am all alone. My other half was cheating on me so I had to tell him to leave. There’s no leaves me without a car, on a tight budget, and more than anything alone! I’m grateful I have my dog, my kids to come down a lot to visit, I’ve been kind of on the pity pot lately! But after hearing your story it makes me realize that even though I live with chronic pain every day and that’s why I can’t work, I can walk and take care of myself! I know God wouldn’t want me feeling sorry for myself! I wish I was strong enough to do what I do best, I was a nurses aide and took care of the elderly and work to preschools all of my life! I have a big heart and I have to take care of people, because of my jobs I’ve had to have multiple neck surgeries and don’t have the strength to do it anymore. I wish I could fly down and help your parents out! I know the caregiving can take a lot of family members! My dad just passed away this August from Alzheimer’s after seven years of it. I will say my prayers and wish you and your wonderful parents the best! You will all be in my prayers, sincerely Liz, Cape Cod Ma😊💗🙏🏼

[@Central_CoastRotors]

And God Bless you Tim.

[@keestaruiz2216]

I just love everything that Tim said it is all so true God bless you all praying 🙏❤

[@adampolakowski2597]

Hero!!!! Big Hero!!!!!!!!

[@Juice1990s]

stay up Tim

[@kerrioneill9674]

Inspirational

[@jasonselby1024]

Imagine if algorithms brought this to people’s feeds rather than useless BS. This should have 25 Million views, not 25 thousand

[@faizfuad8361]

Watch The Age of AI by Robert Downey Jr, KZbin Originals. Specifically Ep. 2.

[@toeholt]

Love you Tim!

[@rogerward3390]

God bless you. Hope you're well

[@sandradalton1611]

Heartbreaking

[@_DrDrakeRamoray]

Obviously injuries to the brain have a lot to do with someone developing ALS. Multiple NFL players over the years diagnosed. This guy is lucky to live this long.

[@angc1456]

and spinal cord..

[@mexicanchamp2282]

They have bin linked, other factors of developing ALS or any other Neurodegenerative disease (Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Huntington) also include environmental factors, genetics, a malfunction immune system

[@katchapman911]

oh my heart 😭

[@vaibhavsingh9990]

Amazing ... Tim . Listen up . You are just doing good infact awesome . You should write a book ( with or without someone help ....you are a warrior ) .on your experience I think . It'll be inspiring to everyone and will also help you. The message that we should live life for living not to accomplish a title ..it's inspiring . And that we should grind day in and day out sacrificing everything... Is a dead idea . We should do our best while living to the fullest . Thank you ,Tim . I hope things get better. #respect.

[@andrewdunkin4632]

vaibhav - not sure if you were kidding or not but Tim recently put out a book :) I read it - its amazing

[@donnaryhter7458]

I hate this horrible sickness 😡😡😡😭 sending love ❤️

[@wolfgangi]

what warrior

[@theflex2496]

How doesn’t this have millions of views ??

[@i_Kalash]

I pray they find a cure for ALS within a decade

[@LASvsALS]

I'm hoping for much sooner. 😅 Most ALS patients only live 2-5 after diagnosis. I myself am 38 & don't have a decade to wait. 😞

[@stevenlukaneon233]

@@LASvsALS Use Dr.vikraftsambos Kx2 Herbal Tea Medicine. That's what I used and it work fast. 100% guaranteed and the result is permanent.

[@dondressel452]

Young strong men being brought down by this terrible disease It’s so damn sad I consider myself lucky I’m 64 and have 4th stage prostate cancer and they tell me it’s very treatable and I’ve been going on for 16 months since my diagnosis This breaks my heart So young and a terrible way to die

[@rubenscott3972]

Dam hurts me

[@Randomperson385]

great message. would’ve liked to know whether the ALS is related to his playing career or was just some freak occurrence

[@roscko5624]

Francis Picklefield it’s definitely from playing blows to the head!! Lots of football players are ending up like this, but it’s not public they keep it quiet because they don’t want to be sued! There’s a lawsuit right now that Aaron Hernandez ex girlfriend tried to be a part of but they denied her because there are hundreds of people in line already that ended up like Aaron or worse like Tim and they are already 1 billion dollars in debt to pay out families and those who are more severe get the 5 million pay out. Which isn’t nothing for what they end up like and all the medical bills that have piled up for them to live

[@MartinGarcia-km4qs]

With all the advancements in the medical field, we still havent found a cure for ALS ! More needs to be done!

[@suchhun]

Why does bad thing happen to good people. It breaks my heart and mocks my faith 💔😢

[@user-xs7xn6yp1o]

انا شاب مسلم من الجزائر عمري 35 سنة مصاب بنفس المرض أطلب من الله ان يشفيني ويشفيه ويشفي كل مريض من هادا المرض الصعب الله يكون معنا ويصبرنا ياالله

[@fahdott8644]

اسال الله رب العرش العظيم ان يشفيك .

[@user-xs7xn6yp1o]

@@fahdott8644 الله ما آمين يارب العالمين

[@RedWh1teWizard]

❤️👍

[@roseforyoubabe]

he has lived longer then 90% of als patients due to the fact he got it at a early age..

[@roseforyoubabe]

most als patients get it later in life and most die around 3 years

[@jntb3000]

Have you tried the Deanna Protocol? pls give it a try

[@Stanger182]

Seems to be a higher occurrence of football players and als

[@ibisribault8863]

Seigneur mais quelle horreur cette maladie je préférerais mourir que de finir comme çà j ai remarqué Qu il y a beaucoup de sportifs de hauts nivaux qui développent cette maladie c est bizarre se voir comme çà je vous plains toute ma compassion à vous ❤️❤️🗼🗼🇨🇵

[@sendo3865]

I have muscle twitching 😭

[@jancraig9298]

I have muscle twitching as well. But definitely get blood work done, to see if you have a vitamin deficiency. It could be a magnesium problem or some thing else minor. Don’t think the worse, weakness & tripping is more sufficient with ALS

[@sevenapples5474]

damn he was 34 here this is sad

[@roscko5624]

Aaron Hernandez brought me here!! He had stage 3 CTE it also eats away your brain little by little and it’s also caused by blows to the head from football! But the NFL will never ever admit this to anyone because they don’t want to be held accountable. The family’s pay for all the care not the teams they played for. They lose it all at the end to entertain the world. This crap needs to be made more public knowledge! Every time someone is diagnosed the NFL cuts their ties with their once money making players. On to the next man for them. No one sees what happens to the players once they retire! Football is so dangerous that’s why they retire so young some have no choice like the ones with CTE and ALS!!! God bless all of those who sacrificed their life’s to entertain the world playing a very dangerous game a game that no one knows the fact that that game could be their last!

[@lawrenceleo8468]

God Bless You my dear Brother in the Saving Blood of Jesus Christ. Tim your faith has remained SOLID from your first post to this one; You are so Loved by the Blessed Trinity Tim and I know you're not looking for them but my dear Brother Your rewards will be GREAT!!! Tim You have helped me so much in my walk with Christ and I am forever grateful Brother. My wife and I pray for You often; we Love You Brother Tim. You are a true living example of these verses below: 2 Corinthians 12:9-11 (NIV) 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. God Bless You Brother Tim !

[@dazeldibujosfeos8435]

I’d rather die

[@RobdeKlerk-qg6lc]

Many sportsmen get it i think....

[@lmb4876]

I agree… it seems like individuals who really really exert themselves on a regular basis..I had a friend from U of F , a triathlete & surgeon)..he developed ALS in his 50’s

[@mavischadwick6445]

Thanks so much Dr Alaho Olu on KZbin first of all for who you are as a person thank you for the wonderful work that you do for people in general no matter where you are I will always listen to your podcast and refer people to you because you care about people and the human body I listen to other people but you talk about the true disturbances disorders that means things that are out of order in the human system thanks 🙏 for curing my Amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis disease (ALS).

[@angelozachos8777]

Damn , this disease ravages quickly 😔 Why is there no cure ? 🤷‍♂️

[@stephaniemccord6100]

What a terrible disease, especially since your mind is sharp but your body is gone. Live every day as if it's your last.

[@kamehameha626]

l swear football only has a few years left..

[@Bambotb]

Root canals do this, see the movies root cause

[@dazeldibujosfeos8435]

Do you believe being an atlethic person is a enviromental factor tha may cause ALS? Too many soccer players, football players, baseball players, it may have something to do with the pesticides on the grass, it is just too much coincidence, never heard of a tennis player with als

[@jancraig9298]

What about the men & women who are veterans? They seem to get it as well. Not just athletes.

[@roscko5624]

See at 29 and only three seasons!!! And he ends up like this? That’s why these guys are asking for so much money to play! And they deserve it and some!! They should get more pay and lifetime medical care!!!! But that won’t happen because this country is greedy

[@Juice1990s]

that's sad there's a price to pay just to make a buck

[@parthianwarrior1901]

He said he is still hearing the what doctor said

[@dazeldibujosfeos8435]

Dear 22 year old Tim, don’t play football, it will cause you als.

[@JuanHernandez-ry9dr]

What a horrific disease

[@mavischadwick6445]

Thanks so much Dr Alaho Olu on KZbin first of all for who you are as a person thank you for the wonderful work that you do for people in general no matter where you are I will always listen to your podcast and refer people to you because you care about people and the human body I listen to other people but you talk about the true disturbances disorders that means things that are out of order in the human system thanks 🙏 for curing my Amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis disease (ALS)..