Five Questions with Captain Shane McLaughlin ’25

Learn about the 150th captain of Harvard football.

BIG MAC. Last year, Shane McLaughlin rumbles upfield against Dartmouth. Carrying the rushing load, the Crimson running back amassed a career-high 156 yards.  | PHOTOGRAPH BY DYLAN GOODMAN/COURTESY OF HARVARD ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

An economics concentrator from Monmouth Beach, New Jersey, and a resident of Leverett House, McLaughlin is the 150th captain of Harvard football and the first from the offense since 2004, when quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick ’05 was tabbed.

Favorite football player: 

“Christian McCaffrey [San Francisco 49ers All-Pro running back]. When he was a senior at Stanford he wore number 5, so that’s why I do too. I try to replicate his play style, which is being an all-around guy.”

Favorite course at Harvard: 

“Ellen Langer’s “Positive Health Psychology.” I took it first semester junior year, during football season. It helped me deal with some of the emotions of the game.”

Favorite spot in the Garden State:

“I’m from the Jersey Shore, so I’ll give a shout-out to Little Monmouth Beach Club. I like surfing so when I’m home I spend my days there.”

Heroes: 

“My parents. They’ve always put me and my brother first for everything. My dad was the one who pushed me to try for Harvard and do uncomfortable things during high school.”

Favorite musical group: 

“I listen to all genres, but I’ll give a shout-out to my mom, who put me on to Fleetwood Mac.”

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