Hyponatremia is a frequently encountered electrolyte disorder that arises when total body water exceeds total body sodium content, according to the National Library of Medicine. The imbalance occurs when there is more water than solutes in the body.
The Mayo Clinic explains that hyponatremia occurs when the sodium levels in your blood become abnormally low. Sodium, an essential electrolyte, helps regulate the amount of water in and around your cells.
The NFL Announced the Passing of Billy Shaw, an 85-year-old former offensive guard, describing him as one of the greatest players in American Football League (AFL) history and one of the most celebrated Buffalo Bills. Shaw played nine seasons, making eight AFL All-Star appearances.
Shaw was a five-time All-AFL selection and a two-time AFL champion. He was also named to the All-Time AFL Team, as noted by the NFL.
According to the Democrat & Chronicle, Shaw passed away at 85 at his home in Toccoa, Georgia, surrounded by his wife, Patsy, and their three daughters. The cause of his death was shared by his family with the newspaper.
The Mayo Clinic lists several potential causes for hyponatremia, including medications and conditions like heart, kidney, and liver problems. Congestive heart failure and certain diseases of the kidneys or liver can lead to fluid buildup, diluting sodium levels in the body. Chronic vomiting, excessive water intake, and hormonal imbalances are also associated with the condition.
The NFL did not disclose the cause of Shaw’s condition, but Mayo Clinic attributes it to various possible factors.
NFL Hall of Fame President Jim Porter expressed his admiration for Shaw, highlighting his unique distinction as the only player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame who played his entire career in the AFL.
“Billy Shaw’s athleticism transformed the guard position and was key to making the Buffalo Bills of the 1960s a dominant force, known for their punishing rushing game,” said Porter. Off the field, he was known for his kindness and southern gentlemanly demeanor.
Shaw played a vital role in protecting quarterback Jack Kemp and clearing the way for running back Cookie Gilchrist. His contributions were instrumental in the Bills’ back-to-back AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965, the only AFL/NFL championships in Buffalo’s history.
Shaw, a Georgia Tech standout, was selected in the second round of the 1961 AFL Draft by the Bills and in the 14th round of the NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Opting to head to Buffalo, Shaw became an immediate impact player, starting all 14 games in his rookie season. Over his career, he started 116 of the 119 games he played. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 258 pounds, Shaw was considered small for an offensive lineman of his era.
However, his athleticism as a pulling guard was key to the Bills’ successful run-heavy offense, in a league often focused on passing.
