(UPDATED) ESPN’s Chris Fowler receives Heimlich maneuver from analyst Jesse Palmer during Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium
Post updated at 10 p.m. ET, Dec. 28, 2013 to include most recent tweet from Chris Fowler.
During halftime of Saturday’s Pinstripe Bowl on ESPN, play-by-play man Chris Fowler had the Heimlich maneuver administered to him by his analyst for the game, Jesse Palmer.
Fowler shared the information through his Twitter account at about 5:15 p.m. ET on Saturday:
Never before needed a Heimlich at halftime. (Or any time)!
thanks Jesse Palmer! He saved me from death by dry chicken sandwich.
Really.
— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) December 28, 2013
Not bad to have quick thinking, ex-NFL player around when Heimlich needed. I'll take bruised ribs to avoid choking!
— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) December 28, 2013
UPDATE, 10 p.m. ET, Saturday:
To all concerned well-wishers: I'm fine. My call was better today post-Heimlich! Surprised by the fuss, but appreciate nice comments.
— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) December 29, 2013
In a separate tweet, Fowler indicated he didn’t think video of the incident existed.
Palmer, who doesn’t have a Twitter account, did Instagram this picture below (unclear on when it was taken), and shared the Fowler story with Front Row:
According to Palmer, “It happened in the green room/viewing room behind ESPN’s outdoor set during halftime. Ed Placey (see below) was standing with us at a high table while we were eating. The rest of the stage crew was in the room as well.
“I was watching Chris chew his food, and his eyes began to get big,” said the former Florida Gator, Palmer, who had never performed the Heimlich before. “He tried to swallow some water to clear his throat, then he had a look of panic on his face.”
Also present for the heroics was Ed Placey, senior coordinating producer of ESPN’s college football coverage. He told Front Row: “I was standing right there. Jesse, with cat-quick reflexes, reacted immediately.”
***
Fowler’s tennis colleague Brad Gilbert, who was watching the telecast, couldn’t tell anything had happened.
@cbfowler good thing it was at halftime u would have never known by the way u sounded to start 3rd quarter
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) December 28, 2013
And fans and peers sent along best wishes. . . and friendly jabs.
@cbfowler Glad you're okay!
— Mandemom (@roadtopaia) December 28, 2013
@cbfowler Looks like somebody's earned himself a spot on College GameDay #LifeDebt
— Vaughn (@MrOrangeV) December 28, 2013
@cbfowler Too bad he wasn't there to provide the same help to Washington State in the New Mexico Bowl (rim shot)
— CollegeFootballNews (@ColFootballNews) December 28, 2013
(For context, click here.)
At halftime! RT @forthewin: Jesse Palmer used the Heimlich to save Chris Fowler’s life – http://t.co/BeIxWye6oR pic.twitter.com/3yeFRsRcIq
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) December 28, 2013
A network first–Jesse Palmer performed important Heimlich on broadcast partner Chris Fowler during Pinstripe Bowl today!!! #fb
— Jim Saccomano (@broncos_sacco) December 28, 2013
UPDATED REACTION, 10:30 p.m., Saturday
@cbfowler Press box food. Always dangerous.
— Tim King (@29TimKing) December 29, 2013
@cbfowler glad you're ok
— AmyDavisLovesPSU (@pennstater089) December 29, 2013
@cbfowler I've done the Heimlich a few times successfully. Glad you're OK. Everyone should learn It. It takes more force than you think!
— Tiffaney O'Dell (@F1gflyer) December 29, 2013
Additional coverage:
(Gracie Blackburn contributed to this post)
