A.Q. Shipley

A.Q. Shipley is a former professional American football center who played for twelve seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his intelligence, toughness, and leadership on the offensive line, he played for several franchises including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Following his playing career, Shipley transitioned into a coaching and broadcasting role, joining the Arizona Cardinals organization as an assistant offensive line coach.

Early Life and Education

Allen Quay "A.Q." Shipley was born and raised in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh. He attended Moon Area High School, where he excelled in both football and wrestling, earning all-state honors. For his collegiate career, Shipley committed to play for coach Joe Paterno and the Penn State Nittany Lions. At Pennsylvania State University, he developed into a standout lineman, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors and winning the Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center during his senior season in 2008.

Career

Shipley was selected by his hometown team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft. After spending his rookie season on the practice squad, he was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010, where he made his NFL debut. His career found stability with the Indianapolis Colts, with whom he signed in 2012 and became a full-time starter in 2014, protecting quarterback Andrew Luck. Shipley joined the Arizona Cardinals in 2015, starting 31 games over three seasons and earning recognition as a key veteran leader. He concluded his playing career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, playing alongside quarterback Tom Brady and helping the team win Super Bowl LV. In 2021, he retired from playing and was immediately hired by the Arizona Cardinals as an assistant offensive line coach.

Personal Life

Shipley is married and has children. He has been open about his passion for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State Nittany Lions from a young age. Following his retirement, he has remained active in the Phoenix community, participating in charitable events for the Arizona Cardinals organization. Shipley is also an avid fan of professional wrestling, often referencing it in media interviews.

Achievements and Awards

Throughout his football career, Shipley earned numerous accolades. In college, his pinnacle achievement was winning the 2008 Rimington Trophy. He was also a unanimous All-America selection and the Big Ten Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year that same season. As a professional, his primary team achievement was winning Super Bowl LV as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was also named a team captain by the Arizona Cardinals in 2017, highlighting his respected leadership within the locker room.

Filmography

Beyond the gridiron, Shipley has made several media appearances. He had a cameo role in the 2015 football film *My All-American*. He has been a frequent guest and analyst on the Arizona Cardinals' official programming and local Phoenix sports talk radio. Following his retirement, he joined the broadcast team for the Big Ten Network, providing analysis for college football games.

Category:1986 births Category:Living people Category:American football centers Category:Penn State Nittany Lions football players Category:Pittsburgh Steelers players Category:Philadelphia Eagles players Category:Indianapolis Colts players Category:Arizona Cardinals players Category:Tampa Bay Buccaneers players Category:Super Bowl champions