Who is Aaron Shampklin? Meet Steelers RB who worked as substitute teacher before NFL return

Most Harvard graduates don't end up in the NFL, even if they were a member of the football team and especially if they majored in economics.

But most Harvard economics graduates from the football team aren't Aaron Shampklin.

One of three current NFL players hailing from the prestigious Ivy League school — along with 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk and Commanders long snapper Tyler Ott — the 24-year-old running back was signed off the Steelers practice squad to the 53-man roster last week.

With injuries to Cordarrelle Patterson and Jaylen Warren, Najee Harris and Shampklin are the only healthy ball carriers available for Pittsburgh's matchup with the Cowboys on "Sunday Night Football."

Shampklin was activated last Sunday, just before the Steelers' game against the Colts. Though he took just one carry for five yards in the 27-24 loss, it's likely he will have more playing time this weekend. 

It's been a long time coming for the 24-year-old who has bounced around, signing with four NFL teams in two years. He also had a three-game stint with the USFL's Houston Gamblers. With his journeyman career, Shampklin had to find alternate ways to support himself.

Here is everything to know about the Steelers' new running back, including why he worked as a substitute teacher before his return to the NFL.

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Who is Aaron Shampklin?

Shampklin was born in Paramount, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. He attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School, home of a football program with notable NFL representation. Aside from Shampklin, other alumni in the league include Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and Bears tight end Marcedes Lewis. 

A three-year letter-winner and captain his senior year with the Jackrabbits, Shampklin helped the varsity team to two Moore League Championships and received numerous awards, including co-MVP of the 2016 team. 

He entered the market as a two-star prospect and received offers from both Harvard and Washington State before committing to the Crimson in December 2016. Shampklin quickly worked his way into the lineup, playing in all 10 games his freshman year and scoring in his debut against Rhode Island. 

Barring the 2019 and 2020 seasons, when Shampklin was injured and out for the year before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, cancelling the following campaign, the running back was a star at Harvard. He collected All-Ivy League first team honors his sophomore and redshirt junior seasons, the latter unanimously, before signing with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in May 2022. 

He had quick stints with the Colts and Chargers thereafter, sandwiching three games played for the Houston Gamblers in the USFL. But he never played an NFL snap until this season.

The running back was waived by the Chargers in August 2023, then signed by the Steelers in January 2024 on a reserve/futures contract. Though he was waived by Pittsburgh in late August and placed on the practice squad, he found himself on the active roster just last week, making his NFL debut against Indianapolis.

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Why did Aaron Shampklin work as a substitute teacher?

In between his brief appearance with the Chargers and signing with Pittsburgh, Shampklin had about four months of time to kill while waiting on another call from the NFL. As such, he had to find a way to support himself so he put his Harvard education to use.

Shampklin began working in the front office at Perry Linsey Academy's middle school back home in Long Beach. Sometimes, he would also fill in as a substitute for teachers who called out late. It happened to pay off.

"If a teacher didn't show up, they would put me in the classroom," Shampklin said. "They figured out that I was good at math, so they eventually made me a sixth grade math teacher."

What did #Steelers RB Aaron Shampklin do while waiting for a call from the NFL?

“Last year I was a substitute teacher at Perry Lindsey Academy. So I worked there at the middle school.” pic.twitter.com/OWs0kDcU1T

— Aaron Becker (@Aaron_M_Becker) October 2, 2024

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Aaron Shampklin stats

While he doesn't have many numbers to show for his brief NFL career, Shampklin's college stats are certainly impressive. His final season with the Crimson, he led the team in carries (150), yards (842) and rushing touchdowns (11). Shampklin also finished out his Ivy League career tied for 8th in total touchdowns in the FCS that year.

Here's how the Steeler's running back fared in his three seasons playing at Harvard.