Jeremy Shockey reportedly saved a teammate from choking on a piece of pork tenderloin

Good times.

August 30, 2011 at 5:24PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Jeremy Shockey reportedly performed the Heimlich Maneuver on teammate Ben Hartsock on Monday after Hartsock choked on a piece of pork tenderloin during a team meal. Per the National Football Post: If Jeremy Shockey can be a lifesaver for the Carolina Panthers this season like he was for teammate Ben Hartsock today, it will be a heck of a year.

Hartsock is crediting Shockey with helping save him today after Hartsock, a fellow tight end, could not breathe in the team's lunch room. A piece of pork tenderloin lodged in Hartsock's throat and Shockey came to the rescue, the National Football Post has learned.

"He said to me a little while ago, 'I really hope this doesn't get out but if it does it's going to be a funny story,'" said Chicago-based agent Mike McCartney, who represents Hartsock.

It's more of a story with a good ending than it is a funny one. Hartsock tried drinking some water to clear his throat and when that didn't work it became evident to others in the room he could not breathe.

We can only imagine that Roger Goodell, citing player safety, will immediately ban pork tenderloin from all team lunch rooms.

Also, we understand this creates an open season on football/choking jokes. Do your worst in the comments.

about the writer

about the writer

Michael Rand

Columnist / Reporter

Michael Rand is the Minnesota Star Tribune's Digital Sports Senior Writer and host/creator of the Daily Delivery podcast. In 25 years covering Minnesota sports at the Minnesota Star Tribune, he has seen just about everything (except, of course, a Vikings Super Bowl).

See More

More from Sports

Kansas City Chiefs Andy Reid and Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell shake hands at the end of the game Sunday, October 8, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn.  ] CARLOS GONZALEZ • carlos.gonzalez@startribune.com