Shaw lettered three times each in football, basketball and track at Fremont Ross High School. He was first team All-Ohio in both football and basketball and won the shot put and discus in the state track and field meet. At Ohio State University, he lettered twice in football. Playing right end, on both offense and defense, Shaw was part of the Buckeyes' first NCAA National Championship team in 1942 and was named a first-team All American for that season. He also lettered in basketball and track, helping the Buckeyes to their first Western Conference track crown in 1942. Shaw was inducted into Ohio State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996.
He served with the 104th Infantry Division, and was awarded a Bronze Star. He later completed his bachelor's degree in education at Otterbein College.
His National Football League career began in 1945 when he joined the Cleveland Rams. The Rams won the Championship in his rookie year. In the off-season, he played for the Toledo Jeeps of the National Basketball League.
He lived in Cooksville during his time coaching the Argos.[3] Shaw died April 10, 2011 at his home in Westerville, Ohio, after a brief illness at the age of 89. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Mary Garr
