[citation needed] Prior to joining the Stapletons, Shapiro played college football, while attending New York University.
[citation needed] Afterwards, Shapiro moonlighted as a professional football player for a team in Meriden, Connecticut.
[citation needed] In 1929, Shapiro played in one NFL game with Staten Island.
As the shortest player in the history of the NFL, Shapiro played as a blocking back in the Stapletons' 34-0 victory over the Minneapolis Red Jackets.
The regular-season games were late in the season against the Minneapolis Red Jackets and Orange Tornadoes.