After his sophomore season he transferred to Long Beach State University, where he played two years under head coach Don Reed, as the starter at the halfback position.
Although he didn't make the initial 40-man roster, he was promoted from the taxi squad after the third game of the season.
In 1968, he was able to be more involved in the offense after the starter Dan Reeves was lost for the year with a serious knee injury.
He suffered an Achilles tendon injury in the third preseason game against the Miami Dolphins and was placed on the injured reserve list.
He also owned a restaurant in Pomona called Papa Shy's Pro Barbecue.
His brother Don Shy played running back seven seasons in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, and St. Louis Cardinals.