USC CB Josh Shaw leaps from 2nd floor balcony to save drowning nephew

USC Trojan cornerback Josh Shaw is being hailed a hero after he selflessly leaped from a 2nd story balcony to save his 7-year-old nephew from drowning.

Hours after the 5th-year senior was named a team captain, Shaw was attending a family function when he witnessed his nephew, who does not know how to swim, struggling in a nearby pool. Without consideration for his own well-being, Shaw instinctively leaped from a 2nd story balcony.

He landed hard on the concrete below but he managed to crawl into the pool and rescue the young boy. After he was sure that his nephew was safe he pulled himself up via a ladder. In the process, he injured both of his ankles and is now out indefinitely according to ESPN.

Shaw said:

“I would do it again for whatever kid it was, it did not have to be my nephew. My ankles really hurt, but I am lucky to be surrounded by the best trainers and doctors in the world. I am taking my rehab one day at a time, and I hope to be back on the field as soon as possible.”

USC’s head coach Steve Sarkisian added, “That was a heroic act by Josh, putting his personal safety aside. But that’s the kind of person he is.”