Shaun Chapas (born May 2, 1988) is a former American football fullback in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions. He played college football at Georgia, where he was voted a permanent overall team captain at the conclusion of his senior season.
Early years
Chapas attended Bolles School, where he was named the starter at fullback as a freshman. As a junior he helped his team win the Class AA state title. In his last year, he missed the entire season after tearing an ACL. He was still rated the eighth-best fullback in the nation and fifth on the Florida Top-100 Rivals.com Team.
College career
He accepted a scholarship from the University of Georgia, where he was redshirted to recover from his previous injury. After being named the Most Improved Running Back at the conclusion of spring drills in 2007, he appeared in all 13 games with 11 carries for 41 yards and 3 catches for 22 yards while also playing an important role on special teams and making 7 tackles. The Dawgs concluded the 2007 season with a New Years Day Sugar Bowl Victory over the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Rainbow Warriors.
As a redshirt sophomore in 2008, Chapas made 6 starts while appearing in all 13 games for the preseason #1 ranked team in the country. He also caught 9 passes for 120 yards and his first career touchdown. He was named CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District III First Team, Earned SEC Academic Honor Roll and Director's Honor Roll distinction for the fall semester, and was named CBS Scholar Athlete of the game versus LSU.
In 2009, Chapas was tabbed by Sporting News as "SEC's Best Blocking Back." In addition to his lead blocking, he had 7 carries for 45 yards and a touchdown, as well as 9 recepetions for 50 yards and a touchdown.
In 2010, Chapas was selected as the teams overall permanent captain. Appearing in 11 games, he had 15 carries for 44 yards and two touchdowns while catching five passes for 29 yards and two touchdowns. At the team's annual awards Gala, Chapas earned the team's Coaches Leadership Award for Special Teams, the Leon Farmer Award for dedication to the strength and conditioning program and the David Jacobs Award as the player who by example portrays courage, spirit, character and determination. At the conclusion of the 2010 season, he missed the AutoZone Liberty Bowl after having ankle surgery.
Professional career
Dallas Cowboys
Chapas was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round (220th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft. He was waived on September 2 and was signed to the practice squad.
On November 28, he was moved to the active roster after an injury to fullback Tony Fiammetta, making his first professional start against the Arizona Cardinals. He was released on August 30, 2012.
Detroit Lions
On September 2, 2012, the Detroit Lions signed him to their practice squad. He was promoted to the regular roster on December 14.
Chapas was waived on August 30, 2013 and re-signed to the practice squad. He was released on October 13, to make room for wide receiver Patrick Edwards.
Jacksonville Jaguars
On November 25, 2013, he was signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad. He was cut on May 11, 2014.
Baltimore Ravens
Chapas signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Ravens on May 18, 2014. He was waived/injured on August 30, after injuring both of his shoulders during training camp.