Robert Shaw

Robert Leslie Shaw, born on October 15, 1956, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is a renowned former American football player best known for his stint as a center in the National Football League (NFL). He attended Joseph Wheeler High School in Marietta, Georgia, where he excelled in football and was awarded All-American, state football lineman of the year, and All-state honors in his senior year of 1975. He was also active in basketball and swimming during his high school years.

Upon graduating from high school, Shaw continued his athletic journey at the University of Tennessee. He was a three-year starter at center and earned second-team All-SEC honors in 1977 and 1978. In his senior year, he was named one of the co-captains, received the team's Mickey O’Brien award, and started in the East–West Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl.

Shaw's professional career started strong when he was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round (27th overall) of the 1979 NFL Draft. During his rookie year in 1980, Shaw started out as a backup for John Fitzgerald at center but became the starting center for the last five regular season games and three playoff games after Fitzgerald injured his knee. Unfortunately, after playing only 33 games across three seasons, Shaw suffered injuries which ultimately concluded his promising football career.

Post his retirement from football, Shaw transformed his career and found success off the field. His achievements include earning a degree in architectural design and management, serving as vice president under Bob Breunig at the SBC development company and leading Memphis Real Estate and Columbus Realty Holdings as President. He partnered with Roger Staubach to initiate a significant transformation of the real estate industry.

For more details about his football career, you can visit his profile on the NFL or PFR website.