Former Football Player Behind NYC Office Shooting

A tragic shooting unfolded in Midtown Manhattan, leaving four people dead and shedding light on the possible link between CTE in athletes and violent behavior. Police identified 27-year-old Shane Tamura, a former high school football player from California, as the gunman behind the July 28 attack inside an office building that houses the NFL headquarters.

Shooter Missed Targeted Floor

According to preliminary investigations, Tamura intended to target the NFL offices, located on floors 5 through 8 of the 44-story building. However, he entered the wrong elevator shaft and ended up on the 33rd floor. There, he shot and killed four individuals before turning the gun on himself.

Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that Tamura’s misplaced arrival changed the intended course of events. While one NFL employee was seriously injured during the incident, the NFL later stated that the rest of its staff had been safely accounted for.

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Note Mentions CTE and Mental Health

A three-page note left behind by Tamura referenced chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease often linked to repeated head trauma in contact sports like football. The condition, known to affect behavior and cognition, can only be diagnosed through a post-mortem brain examination.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch noted that Tamura also had a documented history of mental health issues, based on information from Las Vegas law enforcement.

High School Football Background

Tamura played high school football in California, with stints at both Granada Hills Charter School in Los Angeles and Golden Valley High School in Santa Clarita. During the 2015-2016 season, he played as a running back and defensive back.

According to MaxPreps.com, he rushed for 616 yards on 126 carries and scored five rushing touchdowns. He added 229 receiving yards with two more touchdowns. On special teams, he managed 442 yards on 15 returns and scored once. His stats revealed a solid performance on both offense and special teams.

Viral Video from His Playing Days

Following the tragic incident, a video surfaced on social media showing Tamura after a 2015 high school game in which he scored three touchdowns. The clip, recorded after Granada Hills’ 35-31 win over Kennedy High School, captured Tamura reflecting on his standout 59-yard touchdown reception.

“Right before the play, coach asked me if the 2-screen was open,” he said in the video. “I told him, ‘Yes. I got this coach.’ I caught the pass, weaved my way down, and then broke free. I ran as hard as I could.”

Tamura’s post-game remarks also revealed the emotion and intensity of that rivalry matchup. “We wanted to win this one real bad. We worked hard and practiced extra late. This rivalry has been around longer than I’ve been alive,” he said.

No NFL Connection Confirmed

Although Tamura mentioned the NFL in his note, there is no record of him ever playing in the league or being directly associated with it. USA TODAY Sports reached out to the NFL for comment but received no response at the time of publication.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell informed staff in a memo that one employee had been seriously injured but was in stable condition at a local hospital. The league remained on high alert, ensuring all remaining staff were safe.

A Disturbing Link Between Trauma and Violence

Tamura’s mention of CTE and his football background reignited discussions around the long-term risks associated with head injuries in contact sports. While no diagnosis can yet confirm he suffered from CTE, the disease has been linked to other tragic events involving former athletes.

As the investigation continues, many are left questioning how mental health, sports injuries, and untreated trauma might combine to create such devastating outcomes. This incident not only shocked New York City but also added urgency to ongoing debates about brain health and violence prevention.