ESPNNFLWeird But True

Jeremy Shockey Saved A Teammate’s Life

The public’s perception of Panthers tight end Jeremy Shockey? He’s kind of a jerk. But thanks to some quick thinking on his part (and one really, really hard slap on the back), maybe people will begin to think he’s slightly less of a jerk.

Fellow tight end Ben Hartsock had a piece of pork tenderloin become lodged in his throat in the Panthers lunchroom, and a drink of water actually forced the wad further into his windpipe. Trying to make his way to the bathroom, Hartsock was unable to breathe, and he collapsed.

A teammate attempted to give Hartsock the Heimlich Maneuver, which was unsuccessful. 

Plan B?  A swift punch to the back.  According to Hartsock’s agent Mike McCartney, via Yahoo! Sports:

Some new guy came and tried to give him the Heimlich. It didn’t work. Then, Shockey hit him in the back pretty hard and out came the meat.

It’s been a pretty big week for the Heimlich in sports, as a heroic beer vendor in Washington, DC also used the famous maneuver to save a choking child at a Nationals baseball game Thursday night.  Luckily, both Hartsock and the boy weren’t seriously hurt by the incidents.