College Football Player Out Indefinitely After Injuring Both Ankles Leaping From a Second-Floor Balcony...but Why He Jumped Is Actually Heroic

Update: the story of this football player was later called into question and is being investigated by the university.

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Some people jump into pools from extreme, dangerous heights as daredevilish stunts. Some are injured in the process when they miss their mark.

Josh Shaw, a senior on USC's football team recently voted captain, was injured while rescuing his drowning nephew from a pool over the weekend. (David Buchan/Getty Images)

University of Southern California cornerback Josh Shaw severely injured both of his ankles Saturday night doing just this, but the reason he leaped from the second floor of his cousin's apartment toward the pool was not for show.

The senior will be benched indefinitely after he landed on the concrete while jumping from a balcony to save his drowning nephew. Despite instantly injuring himself, according to USC's the Ripsit Blog, Shaw crawled to the pool and rescued the 7-year-old who couldn't swim.

Shaw was taken to the hospital where doctors found he had two high ankle sprains, the blog reported.

"I would do it again for whatever kid it was, it did not have to be my nephew," Shaw told the university Monday. "My ankles really hurt, but I am lucky to be surrounded by the best trainers and doctors in the world.  I am taking my rehab one day at a time, and I hope to be back on the field as soon as possible."

Head coach Steve Sarkisian told the Ripsit Blog that Shaw's actions reflect, "the kind of person he is." Shaw had earlier that day been named team captain.

"It is unfortunate that he'll be sidelined for a while and we will miss his leadership and play, but I know he'll be working hard to get back on the field as soon as possible," Sarkisian said. 

(H/T: ESPN via Reddit)