SYLACAUGA, Ala. —

A true act of friendship on the gridiron happened on Friday when Joey Shelnutt collapsed on the field. Joey Shelnutt said he didn’t have any signs before he collapsed on the field, but the quick thinking of his lifelong friend and fellow ref saved his life.

As Shelnutt lay in his hospital bed hooked up to machines and oxygen, he said he’s grateful to be alive after Friday night’s scare under the lights. He had to be resuscitated during the Sylacauga vs. Coosa-Central game. It was a normal night for the referee but by the second quarter, Shelnutt said something wasn’t right.

After he fainted, another ref who’s a close friend, quickly jumped into action. The two have been friends for 40 years, and Lew Murphy’s CRP training truly came in handy when it was needed the most.

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