Shane Beamer reflects on Connor Shaw's Celebrity Starter surprise: 'That gave me chills'

As South Carolina prepared for its matchup against Missouri last week, Shane Beamer thought a lot about former quarterback and all-time Gamecock great Connor Shaw.

Shaw, of course, was responsible for orchestrating one of South Carolina’s most memorable comebacks against the Tigers 12 seasons ago. He had been dealing with a lingering shoulder issue, a torn knee ligament and a bout with the flu the week of South Carolina’s 2013 game against Missouri. As a result, Steve Spurrier didn’t name Shaw the team’s starting quarterback. But he entered the contest with the Gamecocks down 17-0 late in the third quarter.

It completely changed the trajectory of the game. South Carolina eventually won 27-24 in double-overtime, with Shaw completing 20 of his 29 pass attempts for 201 yards and three touchdowns en route to performing the “Miracle in Missouri” — all while being far from 100 percent health-wise.

“Everybody talks about that game he had out there, whatever year that was — ’13. When we got the ball back last week with six minutes left, I mean, that popped in my head: ‘We’re in this. We’re going to go down the field; we’re going to score; we’re going to have the game-winning touchdown. It’s going to be a great win like Connor had,'” Beamer said. “We weren’t able to get it done, which I hate.”

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“Miracle in Missouri” heroics were just one reason why Shaw was one Beamer’s mind last week. The other was the fact that the former was fighting for his life.

On Wednesday evening, Shaw collapsed while coaching his nine-year-old son’s youth football team, news that was first reported by The State’s Dwayne McLemore and Jackson Castellano. Shaw was then taken to the medical ICU at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital, where he remained for multiple days.

Positive updates regarding Shaw’s health emerged soon after his admittance. The city of Simpsonville shared that Shaw was in stable condition in a statement sent to WYFF News 4 the morning after the collapse. Two days later, Beamer revealed during an in-game interview that Shaw had returned home from the hospital.

“Connor Shaw, I know you’re watching back in South Carolina,” Beamer told the SEC Network’s Taylor McGregor. “I know you went home today and we’re thinking of you, my man. God bless.”

And then, the following Saturday, Shaw emerged from a “Cockaboose” that made its way onto the field at Williams-Brice Stadium as the Gamecocks’ Celebrity Starter — a decision Beamer didn’t realize had been made until recently.

“I did not know that until my amazing wife, Emily, texted me and told me that he was going to be the Celebrity Starter,” Beamer said. “I got a lot of stuff on my plate each week. They don’t tell me who the Celebrity Starter is. I got other things to worry about. So, I didn’t even know he was doing that until Emily texted me.”

Upon seeing Shaw emerge from the “Cockaboose” car, the crowd erupted into a loud cheer. He addressed the fans in the stands, saying, “Praise Jesus! Gamecocks fight until the very end. Let’s do this!” And then, he led South Carolina’s traditional pregame “GAME! COCKS!” cheer.

Shaw’s appearance almost certainly gave the Gamecocks a jolt of momentum, as they went on to claim their first SEC victory of the season in a 35-13 win over Kentucky. The moment also struck a chord with Beamer, who reflected on it after the game.

“[I] love what he’s about and love him as a person. He’s a great friend to me, a great friend of this program. And [I’m] so happy that he’s better,” Beamer said. “It’s a testament to his toughness that, a week ago, there was questions on Thursday night about, ‘Would he even survive?’ And then, nine days later, he’s out here on the field, leading the Gamecock chant? Come on, man, that gives me chills thinking about [it].”

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