In a chilling and heartbreaking twist to Monday’s deadly New York City mass shooting, a National Football League employee was shot in the back while trying to warn his coworkers about the gunman — and now, he’s being hailed as a quiet hero amid the chaos.
The victim, Craig Clementi, works in the NFL’s finance department and was inside the league’s 345 Park Avenue headquarters when the shooting began. According to a report from The Athletic, Craig was on the phone alerting colleagues to evacuate when he was suddenly struck by a bullet — believed to have ricocheted before piercing his back.
“Even after he was shot, he kept calling people,” one NFL insider shared. “He was trying to protect others while he was bleeding.”
NFL Commissioner Confirms Injury: “One of Our Own Was Seriously Hurt”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell previously confirmed that an employee had suffered serious injuries during the attack — but the details were not made public until now.
The league later identified the wounded staffer as Clementi, who has since undergone emergency treatment and is expected to recover.
What’s truly remarkable? Even while being transported to the hospital, Clementi continued making calls to warn his coworkers.
“It’s just who he is — calm, composed, selfless,” said a colleague who spoke to TPR on condition of anonymity.
Shooter Targeted NFL Over Brain Injury Claims
The shooter, 27-year-old Shane Tamura, left behind a disturbing suicide note, claiming he was suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) — a degenerative brain disease often associated with football-related head injuries.
Tamura allegedly blamed the NFL for his condition and said he was specifically targeting the league’s headquarters in retaliation.
But in a twist of fate, Tamura reportedly went to the wrong floor inside 345 Park Avenue — ultimately missing the NFL’s offices entirely.
Four Dead, Including Off-Duty Officer and Blackstone Exec
Although Tamura didn’t reach his intended target, the shooting was still devastating.
He killed four people before taking his own life by shooting himself in the chest — a move he explained in his note was designed to preserve his brain for research into CTE.
Among the victims:
- Didarul Islam, an off-duty NYPD officer
- Wesley LePatner, a respected executive at Blackstone
- Two additional civilians whose names have not yet been released
Who Was Shane Tamura? Inside the Mind of a Killer
Tamura’s suicide note revealed a man tormented by mental illness, paranoia, and a deep resentment toward the NFL. He claimed his alleged CTE symptoms — which may include aggression, depression, and confusion — drove him to violence.
“This wasn’t just random,” said NYC Mayor Eric Adams in an interview with CBS Mornings. “He targeted the NFL, blaming them for his decline.”
Authorities are still investigating whether Tamura had any formal football background or medical diagnosis of CTE. So far, none has been confirmed.
NFL Reacts: “Our Thoughts Are With Craig and All the Victims”
The NFL has issued a brief statement acknowledging the attack and confirming Clementi’s injuries.
“We are grateful for the bravery shown by Craig and for the swift response of first responders,” the league said. “Our focus is on supporting Craig and the families of those lost in this tragedy.”
Security has since been increased at NFL offices nationwide.
Colleagues Rally Around Clementi: “He Risked His Life for Us”
Inside the league, Clementi’s actions have sparked an outpouring of support.
“He’s always been reliable, the kind of guy who gets things done quietly,” a co-worker told TPR. “Now he’s our hero.”
NFL staffers and players alike have begun sharing prayers and tributes across social media.
A City in Mourning, A League on Edge
As New York City continues to reel from the tragedy, mental health advocates are renewing calls for greater awareness around CTE and its effects. The NFL — already under scrutiny in past years for its handling of player brain injuries — may once again find itself at the center of difficult conversations.
For now, however, the league — and the city — are focused on healing.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Do you believe the NFL bears any responsibility for the shooter’s mental decline — or is this just the act of a disturbed individual?
Let us know in the comments.
And for more breaking news on this developing story, stay locked on The Pop Radar (TPR).
