Clay Shiver

Spencer Clay Shiver (born December 7, 1972 in Tifton, Georgia) is a former professional American football player who played offensive lineman for three seasons for the Dallas Cowboys and one season for the Carolina Panthers.

Clay Shiver was taught a strong work ethic by parents who valued integrity above personal short cuts and character over comfort. Clay began to distinguish himself in high school academics and athletics in his hometown of Tifton, Georgia. After garnering high school All-American status, Clay chose Florida State University. While at FSU, Clay became a 3-time All-Conference and a 2-time All-American prompting Bobby Bowden to call Clay “the greatest center he has ever coached”. Shiver was named to the Football Writer's first team All-America squad and the Scipps Howard All-America team. He was a three-time All-ACC selection and received numerous ACC Player of the Week honors. In his junior and senior years, Shiver was awarded the prestigious Jacobs Trophy presented annually to the best blocker in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

In 1996, Shiver was the first Florida State Seminole selected to the NFL draft, the 67th overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys. Shiver played in 14 games for Dallas his first season, started in all 16 games in '97 and nine games in the '98 campaign. He started alongside of NFL greats Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Deion Sanders. Clay spent 5 years playing in Dallas, Denver, and Carolina.

After retiring from football due to a shoulder injury, Shiver was inducted into the Florida State Hall of Fame. Shiver has been featured in many national publications and on CBS’s 48 hours special about character in college football.

He currently resides in Miami, Florida.