Ex-Southern Illinois DL identified as hero teacher in Noblesville school shooting

[May 26, 2018]  Former Southern Illinois football player Jason Seaman has been identified as the hero teacher who tackled a student gunman during a school shooting at Noblesville West Middle School in Indiana on Friday morning.

Seaman's mother, Kristi Hubly Seaman, said on Facebook that Jeremy had been shot three times in the abdomen, hip and forearm but was doing "well" after surgery. Jeremy Seaman also confirmed to the Indianapolis Star that his younger brother Jason was indeed the teacher who intervened.

On Friday evening, Jason Seaman released a statement updating his situation and giving thanks.

"First of all, thank you to the first responders from Noblesville and Fishers for their immediate action and care," Seaman said. "I want to let everyone know that I was injured but am doing great. To all students, you are all wonderful and I thank you for your support. You are the reason I teach."

Police said the male student gunman in Seaman's seventh-grade class had asked to be excused before returning to the classroom with two handguns and opening fire.

"Our science teacher (Jason) immediately ran at (the shooter), swatted a gun out of his hand and tackled him to the ground," student Ethan Stonebraker told The Associated Press. "If it weren't for him, more of us would have been injured for sure."

In addition to Seaman, one student was injured in the shooting. The student's condition has not yet been released.

Seaman was a defensive lineman at Southern Illinois, where he played in 27 games from 2007 to 2010 and recorded eight sacks, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Seaman also coaches the seventh-grade football team at Noblesville West.

--Field Level Media

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