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Shane Conlan
Shane Conlan
Shane Conlan
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Shane Patrick Conlan (born March 4, 1964) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions, winning two national championships in 1982 and 1986, although he was red-shirted prior to the start of the 1982 season and did not play that season. In 1981, prior to his Penn State career and after his senior season at Frewsburg High School in which he played under head coach Thomas Sharp, Conlan was voted Western New York high school Player of the Year. During his career at Penn State, Conlan had 274 tackles, including a school-record 186 solos. He finished his football career as a three-time all-pro with the NFL's Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams.

Key Information

Early life

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Conlan was born and raised in Frewsburg, New York.[1][2]

College career

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Conlan capped his junior season at Penn State in the 1985 national championship game in the Orange Bowl against the University of Oklahoma. The finale to his senior year was in the 1986 national championship game versus the University of Miami in the 1987 Fiesta Bowl, Conlan had eight tackles, two interceptions. Most memorably, he returned the second of his two interceptions 38 yards to the Miami 5-yard line to set up D.J. Dozier's game-winning touchdown. With Penn State's 14–10 victory, Conlan's squad completed an undefeated season, securing the 1986 national championship.

As captain, Conlan led the 1986 squad in tackles with 79, including a team-high 63 solo stops. During his final two collegiate seasons (1985 & 1986), he was named an All-American at outside linebacker, making him the sixth two-time All-American at Penn State. He received this honor from NEA in 1985 and from Walter Camp, The Football News, Football Writers, Football Coaches, Associated Press, United Press International, and College and Pro Football Newsweekly in 1986. In addition, Conlan was a 1986 finalist for the prestigious Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014.[3]

On December 11, 2014, the Big Ten Network included Conlan on "The Mount Rushmore of Penn State Football", as chosen by online fan voting. Conlan was joined in the honor by John Cappelletti, Jack Ham and LaVar Arrington.

Professional career

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Conlan was selected in the first round with the eighth overall pick by the Buffalo Bills in the 1987 NFL draft.[4] After his rookie season, he was awarded the 1987 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press. From 1988 to 1990, Conlan enjoyed three straight trips to the Pro Bowl. Conlan played with the Bills (1987–92), where he played in the first 3 of the Bills Super Bowl teams and the Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams (1993–95) before retiring from the NFL in 1995.

After football

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Since Conlan's retirement from the NFL, he has worked for Esmark Inc. as the company's Vice President of Commercial Real Estate. In 2013, he was named the Pittsburgh Power's Vice President of Corporate Partnerships.[5]

Conlan has four children, including Patrick (b.1992), a former NCAA division III college quarterback (Hobart University), son Chris (b. 1997), an NCAA division I Wide Receiver (William & Mary), and son Dan (b. 2000), an NCAA division I basketball player (Penn State).

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Shane Conlan

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Shane Conlan (born March 4, 1964) is a former linebacker who played nine seasons in the (NFL), primarily as a standout defender for the from 1987 to 1992. A native of Frewsburg, New York, Conlan excelled at Penn State University, where he was a four-year letterwinner and three-year starter from 1982 to 1986, contributing to the Nittany Lions' teams in 1982 (11-1) and 1986 (12-0 undefeated). During his college career, he amassed 274 tackles—ranking seventh in program history—led the team in tackles in 1984 and 1986, earned consensus All-American honors as a senior, and was named the 1986 winner as the nation's top linebacker while also receiving Academic All-American recognition. In 2014, Conlan was inducted into the for his contributions to Penn State, where the team posted a 48-11-1 record during his tenure. Selected eighth overall by the in the first round of the , Conlan made an immediate impact as a rookie, recording 114 tackles and earning Second-Team honors along with the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Over his six seasons with the Bills, he helped anchor the defense leading to their first two appearances in 1991 and 1992 as part of the team's four consecutive appearances from 1991 to 1994, though injuries limited his play in the postseason; he tallied three selections (1988–1990) and two additional Second-Team nods (1988 and 1990) during this period. Conlan concluded his professional career with the and from 1993 to 1995, appearing in 40 games and adding to his career totals of 783 combined tackles, 7 sacks, and 5 interceptions across 120 regular-season games.

Early Years

Childhood and Upbringing

Shane Patrick Conlan was born on March 4, 1964, in , to Dan and Kay Conlan. The family soon relocated to Frewsburg, a small rural village in County near the border, where they settled when Shane was two years old. Frewsburg was a tight-knit, blue-collar community too small even for a stoplight, fostering a sense of close community ties and limited entertainment options beyond nearby Jamestown. Conlan's family embodied working-class roots, with his father Dan serving as an investigator for the New York State Police and his mother Kay employed at the local Quality Market. Dan, a fan of Western films, named his middle son Shane after the 1953 movie Shane starring Alan Ladd, instilling early values of distinguishing right from wrong in a humble household. The family included an older brother Kevin, a younger brother Mike who later played college football at Rutgers, and a married sister Kelly with two children, creating a supportive environment that emphasized hard work and family closeness amid the rural setting. During his early years, Conlan attended Frewsburg Central School, where the small-town atmosphere encouraged community involvement beyond academics. He participated in church activities and volunteered through "" program, which supported children with , reflecting his parents' shy yet principled influence on humility and service. To contribute to the family, young Conlan worked at the Frewsburg Hotel, frying fish and cleaning during his pre-teen and early teen years, learning the value of diligence in the local economy. Conlan's initial exposure to athletics came through youth leagues in Frewsburg, including standout play in local programs like the Southeast National Little League and East Lake League, which naturally progressed into organized school sports as he entered high school.

High School Career

Shane Conlan attended Frewsburg Central School in Frewsburg, New York, participating on the varsity football team from his freshman year through his senior year, spanning 1978 to 1981. Under head coach Tom Sharp, he excelled as a , serving as both a and linebacker while also earning letters in and as a three-sport standout. In his senior season of 1981, Conlan rushed for over 1,000 yards, demonstrating his versatility and impact on the field despite playing for a small-school program. His contributions helped showcase his athletic potential, including a notable performance in a game against Randolph where he continued playing after sustaining a injury. For these accomplishments, Conlan was voted High School Player of the Year by two Buffalo newspapers and earned selection to the All- First Team by the Buffalo Courier-Express. Conlan's high school prowess garnered recruitment interest from colleges including Penn State, Syracuse, and Ohio State, with his commitment to Penn State solidified after defensive coordinator Tom Bradley scouted him at a game, impressed by his speed and leaping ability.

Collegiate Career

Penn State Nittany Lions

Shane Conlan signed a football to Penn State in the spring of 1982 under head coach , following recruitment efforts led by assistant coach Tom Bradley, who identified Conlan's potential despite limited interest from other programs. An injury during his freshman fall prompted a redshirt year, preserving his eligibility while he remained part of the team that appeared in the 1983 , securing a victory over Georgia. As an outside linebacker, Conlan progressed rapidly upon returning for the 1983 season, contributing to Penn State's defensive efforts through his junior and senior years. His tenure coincided with two national championships: the 1982 squad's triumph and the 1986 team's undefeated 12-0 campaign, which culminated in another win over . In the 1986 season, Conlan served as team captain and led the Nittany Lions in tackles, anchoring a defense that propelled the program to its second perfect record and national title under Paterno. He capped his collegiate career in the with a standout performance, recording 8 tackles and 2 interceptions—including one returned 38 yards—earning him the game's award on defense.

Key Performances and Statistics

During his four seasons at Penn State from 1983 to 1986, Shane Conlan amassed 274 tackles, including 186 solo stops, a figure that tied for second in school history at the time of his graduation and underscored his dominance as a linebacker. He also contributed 16 sacks, forced 10 fumbles, recovered four, and intercepted three passes, including one returned for a , highlighting his disruptive presence in the backfield and coverage. These totals positioned him as a key defensive anchor, with his solo tackle count ranking among the program's elite. Conlan's production peaked in his later years, recording 27 tackles as a in 1983, leading the team in tackles as a in 1984 with 77 stops (48 solo) and again as a senior in 1986 with 79 (63 solo), seasons in which he also added multiple sacks and fumble recoveries. His junior year in 1985 yielded 91 tackles (57 solo), earning him first-team All-American honors from the Newspaper Enterprise Association. The following season, he secured consensus first-team All-American status, becoming just the sixth two-time All-American linebacker in Penn State history. Standout moments defined Conlan's impact, such as his performance in the where he recorded eight tackles and two interceptions of quarterback —one of which set up the game-winning in Penn State's 14-10 victory. He also forced three fumbles that year, contributing to turnovers that shifted momentum in critical games. As a vocal leader among the linebackers, Conlan's statistics reflected his role in elevating Penn State's defense, which in ranked third nationally in scoring defense by allowing 11.1 points per game across 12 contests. His efforts helped limit opponents to under 20 points in every game that season, establishing a benchmark for run-stopping and pass disruption.

NFL Career

Buffalo Bills Tenure

Shane Conlan was selected by the in the first round, eighth overall, of the , following his standout collegiate career as a consensus All-American at Penn State. In his rookie season of 1987, Conlan quickly established himself as a key defensive contributor, recording 114 combined tackles and earning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He made an immediate impact in his NFL debut against the , notching nine tackles. Conlan's peak years with the Bills came from 1988 to 1990, during which he earned consecutive selections each season for his tackling prowess and leadership in the linebacker corps. He played a vital role in Buffalo's resurgence, helping anchor the defense during three straight AFC Championship appearances from 1990 to 1992 and subsequent runs, including after the 1990 season, after the 1991 season, and after the 1992 season. Injuries began to hinder Conlan's performance in the early 1990s, with a injury to his in 1989, which sidelined him for six games after he appeared in ten. A injury during the 1992 , combined with other leg ailments that caused him to miss three regular-season games, limited his output to 82 tackles that year and contributed to the Bills' decision not to re-sign him as a following the 1992 campaign.

St. Louis Rams Tenure

After becoming an unrestricted following the 1992 season with the , Shane Conlan signed a three-year, $5.4 million guaranteed contract with the on April 12, 1993, positioning him as the team's second-highest paid player behind quarterback . He immediately assumed the role of starting middle linebacker, serving as the defensive signal-caller and leveraging his prior experience from three appearances with the Bills to provide veteran leadership. In his first season with the in 1993, Conlan started 11 of 12 games, recording 75 tackles and one , contributing to a defense that showed early promise despite the team's overall struggles. By 1994, he solidified his starting role, playing all 15 games with 108 tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble, helping anchor a unit that produced notable performances, including a shutout against the and strong showings against teams like the . The relocated to for the 1995 season, where Conlan started 11 of 13 games, adding 55 tackles, one , one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries to his totals amid ongoing team transitions. Over his three seasons with the (1993–1995), Conlan appeared in 40 games with 37 starts, delivering consistent tackling without earning additional selections, as the team finished with records of 5-11 in 1993 and 4-12 in 1994 before improving to 7-9 in 1995. His steady contributions helped bolster the ' defensive efforts during a period of relocation and rebuilding. At age 31, Conlan retired after the 1995 season, citing an injury-plagued year that limited his effectiveness and marked the culmination of accumulated physical toll from his career.

Later Life

Post-Retirement Activities

Following his retirement from the in 1995, Shane Conlan entered the commercial sector, taking on the role of of Commercial Real Estate at Esmark Inc., where he focused on development and financing projects in the area. In this capacity, Conlan contributed to initiatives such as the expansion of facilities near Route 65 in Sewickley, leveraging his business acumen to support regional economic growth. In 2013, Conlan broadened his professional portfolio by joining the of the as Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, a position he held during the team's final seasons before the franchise folded in 2014. This role involved securing sponsorships and partnerships to bolster the team's operations and community outreach efforts. Conlan has engaged in significant , particularly through football-related charities. He organized the Shane Conlan Golf Classic beginning in , an event that raised funds for the Heritage Valley Sewickley Foundation, the Shane Conlan Scholarship at Penn State University, and other local health and education initiatives. The inaugural tournament drew participants from the sports community and underscored Conlan's commitment to supporting institutions that have benefited his family and region. Conlan was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. Little public information is available on Conlan's activities after 2015.

Legacy and Honors

Shane Conlan's collegiate career at Penn State culminated in numerous accolades, including All-American honors in 1985 and consensus All-American recognition in 1986. He contributed to two teams, playing as a freshman on the 1982 squad and serving as co-captain and defensive leader for the undefeated 1986 champions. In 2014, Conlan was inducted into the , becoming the 17th to receive the honor, praised for embodying the "Linebacker U." tradition at Penn State. In the NFL, Conlan earned the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 1987 after being selected eighth overall by the Buffalo Bills. He was selected to three consecutive Pro Bowls from 1988 to 1990 and named second-team in 1987, 1988, and 1990. Over his nine-season career with the Bills and , Conlan amassed 783 combined tackles, 7 sacks, and 5 interceptions, establishing himself as a cornerstone of Buffalo's aggressive defenses during their four appearances. Conlan's contributions have been further honored through inductions into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Sports Hall of Fame in 1992, where he was the youngest inductee at age 28. He is frequently ranked among Penn State's all-time elite linebackers, often cited in top-10 lists for his instinctive play and leadership. Conlan's legacy endures as a vital link between Penn State's storied linebacker tradition and the , particularly his role in fortifying the Bills' defense—known for its tenacity in the late —that propelled the team to AFC dominance. Despite his accolades, Conlan's career is sometimes viewed as underappreciated in broader lore, overshadowed by the Bills' offensive stars, yet his seamless transition from college stardom to professional impact highlights his foundational influence on modern linebacker play. Retrospectives affirm his status as one of the premier linebackers of his era.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/ConlSh00.htm
  2. https://gopsusports.com/news/2014/12/08/penn-state-linebacker-shane-conlan-set-for-college-football-hall-of-fame-induction
  3. https://gopsusports.com/news/2014/05/22/shane-conlan-elected-to-college-football-hall-of-fame
  4. https://www.chautauquasportshalloffame.org/shaneconlan.php
  5. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-09-10-sp-7079-story.html
  6. https://www.congress.gov/113/crec/2014/11/17/CREC-2014-11-17-pt1-PgS6017-3.pdf
  7. https://www.chautauquasportshalloffame.org/shaneconlan1987a.php
  8. https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2010/5/18/1475071/top-50-all-time-bills-no-27-lb
  9. https://www.buffalosportshallfame.com/shane-conlan/
  10. https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2014/05/hall_of_famer_shane_conlan_wan.html
  11. https://footballfoundation.org/hof_search.aspx?hof=2361
  12. https://www.buffalobills.com/news/legendary-bills-and-penn-state-linebacker-shane-conlan-honored-14118321
  13. https://www.nytimes.com/1987/01/03/sports/penn-state-intercepts-miami-for-national-title.html
  14. https://www.cfbhall.com/news-and-happenings/blog/regions-greatest-moments-1987-fiesta-bowl-1-miami-hurricanes-vs-2-penn-state-nittany-lions/
  15. https://www.sungazette.com/sports/local-sports/2020/05/revisiting-penn-state-footballs-finest-hour-in-fiesta-bowl/
  16. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/penn-state/1986/gamelog/
  17. https://www.cfbhall.com/inductees/shane-conlan-2014/
  18. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-07-24-sp-16510-story.html
  19. https://www.sun-sentinel.com/1992/01/27/injury-to-conlan-major-blow-to-bills/
  20. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/04/12/Rams-sign-LB-Conlan/6488734587200/
  21. https://www.nytimes.com/1993/04/12/sports/sports-people-pro-football-rams-get-bills-conlan.html
  22. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-04-11-sp-21832-story.html
  23. https://www.chautauquasportshalloffame.org/shaneconlan1993b.php
  24. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-10-17-sp-51243-story.html
  25. https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/shane-conlan-joins-the-pittsburgh-powers-front-office/n-4698541
  26. https://patch.com/pennsylvania/sewickley/the-inaugural-shane-conlan-golf-classic
  27. https://funwhileitlasted.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/2014-Pittsburgh-Power-Media-Guide.pdf
  28. https://buffalobillsalumni.com/buffalo-sports-hall-of-fame/
  29. https://www.centredaily.com/sports/college/penn-state-university/psu-football/article214632285.html
  30. https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2007/6/10/214341/999
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