The Red and Black

Issue date: 10/22/08 Section: News

Media Credit: COURTESY STEVE SHAW Chris Shaw proposes to girlfriend Amanda DeBardelaben during halftime of the Homecoming game against Vanderbilt Saturday. [Click to enlarge]

For many guys, working up the nerve to propose to your girlfriend is a daunting task to say the least.

There are many questions to answer: Is she the one? When should I ask her? Can I afford a ring? And, of course, there is the inevitable - will she say yes?

Imagine working through all of those uncertainties and then deciding to pop the question in Sanford Stadium in front of the entire Bulldog Nation.

That's exactly what former University football letterman Chris Shaw did during halftime at Saturday's Homecoming game.

"I'm not going to lie, I was pretty nervous," Shaw said. "I was more concerned about the weather holding up and us getting down on the field than her turning me down."

Shaw was able to gain access to the field during halftime with the help of a friend and lured his girlfriend, Amanda DeBardelaben, down to the field without suspicion by telling her they were being allowed a quick photo opportunity on the field.

Fortunately for Shaw, all went well.

Just as halftime approached, the sun broke through the clouds and the couple made their way down toward the North end zone.

They entered the field shortly after the Redcoat Band had finished playing, and a collective "aw" was heard by fans as Shaw dropped to one knee.

"At first, I thought he had dropped something," DeBardelaben said. "But then, when I heard the crowd's reaction, I was just in complete shock."

So much shock that she forgot to answer, but made her intentions clear after leaping into his arms as fans in the vicinity began cheering loudly.

"It was a dream come true to play football for Georgia, and to be able to propose to my future wife on the field is something that will always be very special to me," Shaw said.

His bride-to-be couldn't agree more.

"Chris' proposal was perfect for us," DeBardelaben said.

Although they grew up in the same hometown, the couple had never met until being introduced to one another after last year's victory over Kentucky.

Both confessed that it was love at first sight, and they can't wait to start a family.

The couple plans to wed in June 2009.

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