Surviving Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Connor Shaw’s Story

In this gripping episode of The Wellness Files, host Kari Beal sits down with Connor Shaw, a former NFL quarterback and USC Gamecocks star, who suddenly collapsed at his son’s football game. We hear from the first responder, Caleb Carter, who performed five minutes of life-saving CPR, and Dr. Jonathan Kim of Emory Healthcare, who is helping diagnose the cause of sudden cardiac arrest. 

[1:10] Collapse — Connor Shaw recounts collapsing while coaching his son’s flag football game: sudden cardiac arrest struck without warning.
[02:44] Immediate response — Caleb Carter (Simpsonville Fire Department training officer) and bystander Zach recognized deterioration; Caleb began high-quality CPR for ~5 minutes before EMS/AED arrival.
[05:07] AED intervention — An AED delivered multiple shocks (third shock restored normal rhythm). Why AEDs matter: they treat shockable rhythms (ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia) and are voice-guided for anyone to use.
[08:39] Recovery & device — Connor received a Medtronic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for protection; he describes emotional impact on his family and post-event PTSD.
https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/healthcare-professionals/products/cardiac-rhythm/implantable-cardioverter-defibrillators/aurora-ev-icd-system.html
[17:52] Hrthudle — Connor launches this initiative to fund and place AEDs, run CPR training, and equip schools, rec fields, police cars, and underserved areas.
hrthudl.org
[25:28] Expert insights — Dr. Jonathan Kim (Emory Healthcare) explains causes: young athletes—often genetic or myocarditis; older athletes—commonly coronary artery disease. Screening: history/physical is essential; universal ECG screening is controversial due to false positives and overtesting.
[51:30] Exercise guidance — "Exercise is medicine": high-intensity training is okay for healthy athletes; symptomatic or at-risk individuals should seek tailored evaluation (exercise testing, shared decision-making).

The Wellness Files is a health-focused podcast where we explore practical tools, research and real patient stories. We hope to inform, inspire, and connect to audiences so you can be the best version of yourself, while also asking tough questions about safety and effectiveness.