Bobby Shaw, American football player

Bobby T. Shaw II, born on April 23, 1975, in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California, etched his name into the annals of American football as a dynamic wide receiver. His journey from a promising high school talent to an impactful collegiate record-holder and ultimately to a professional athlete in the National Football League (NFL) is a testament to his skill and dedication.

Collegiate Excellence at California

Shaw honed his athletic prowess at Galileo High School before embarking on a remarkable collegiate career at the University of California, Berkeley, famously known as Cal. It was there that he truly flourished, leaving an indelible mark on the school's football program. By the time he graduated, Shaw had established himself as Cal's all-time leader in several key receiving categories: an impressive 180 receptions, a staggering 2,731 receiving yards, and a remarkable 27 touchdowns. These records underscored his exceptional talent and consistency throughout his time as a Golden Bear.

The Impactful 1996 Season

His junior year, 1996, proved to be particularly pivotal under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Steve Mariucci. Shaw thrived in the offensive scheme, showcasing his ability to make game-changing plays. Highlights included a dominant performance against UCLA, where he hauled in 12 catches for 168 yards. He also played a crucial role in a thrilling 48-42 triple-overtime victory against Oregon State, scoring three touchdowns. Capping off an outstanding season, Shaw found the end zone twice on passes from quarterback Pat Barnes during the Aloha Bowl, despite Cal's narrow 42-38 loss to Navy. His exceptional efforts that year earned him a well-deserved selection to the first-team All-Pac-10 conference.

Breaking Records in 1997

The following year, 1997, saw Shaw elevated to team captain for Tom Holmoe's inaugural season as head coach. He continued to break records, setting new single-season highs for the Golden Bears with 74 receptions, 1,093 yards, and 11 touchdowns. Despite a challenging season overall for Cal, Shaw’s individual brilliance shone through, notably in a 40-36 victory over Oklahoma where he contributed 158 receiving yards and two crucial touchdowns. For the second consecutive year, he was voted to the All-Pac-10 first team, a clear indicator of his consistent dominance. This remarkable season also saw him achieve a rare feat, becoming only the third wide receiver in Cal's storied history to earn first-team All-America honors from Sporting News. His talent was widely recognized, with UCLA Head Coach Bob Toledo famously stating, "He’s the best receiver in the conference, one of the best in the country, and he’ll end up being the best receiver in Cal history."

Transition to the NFL and Professional Career

Following his stellar collegiate career, Bobby T. Shaw II entered the professional ranks. He was selected in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks, marking the beginning of his journey in the National Football League. Later that same year, Shaw signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he officially began his professional playing career. Over a span of six years, he would go on to lend his talents to several NFL franchises, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Buffalo Bills, and the San Diego Chargers. After concluding his playing career, Bobby T. Shaw II settled in Antioch, California, where he currently resides.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bobby T. Shaw II

Who is Bobby T. Shaw II?
Bobby T. Shaw II is a former American football wide receiver, born in San Francisco, California, who played in the National Football League after an illustrious college career at the University of California, Berkeley.
What college records did Bobby T. Shaw II hold at Cal?
He graduated as Cal's all-time leader in receptions with 180 catches, 2,731 receiving yards, and 27 touchdowns.
Which NFL teams did Bobby T. Shaw II play for?
Bobby T. Shaw II played for five NFL teams: the Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, and San Diego Chargers.
What were some highlights of his college career at Cal?
Key highlights include a 12-catch, 168-yard game against UCLA, three touchdowns in a triple-overtime win over Oregon State, two touchdowns in the Aloha Bowl, and setting single-season records with 74 receptions, 1,093 yards, and 11 touchdowns in 1997. He was also a two-time first-team All-Pac-10 selection and earned first-team All-America honors from Sporting News.
Where does Bobby T. Shaw II live now?
Bobby T. Shaw II currently resides in Antioch, California.