Sterling Shepard

Sterling Shepard was born on February 10, 1993, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He attended Heritage Hall School, where he excelled in high school football, achieving 1,115 rushing yards and 133 receptions for 2,335 yards and 38 touchdowns. As a senior, he had 303 rushing yards with eight touchdowns and 1,243 receiving yards with 17 touchdowns. His performance earned him a selection to the Under Armour All-American Game. He also participated in basketball and track, placing second in the long jump at the State Meet in 2011. Shepard committed to the University of Oklahoma, following in the footsteps of his father, Derrick Shepard, who also played for Oklahoma and in the NFL. His uncles, Darrell and Woodie Shepard, also played for the University of Oklahoma, establishing a family legacy within the program.

Shepard’s college career at the University of Oklahoma began in 2012. As a true freshman, he played in all 13 games, securing 45 receptions for 621 yards and three touchdowns. His sophomore year saw him start 12 of 13 games, collecting 51 receptions for 603 yards and seven touchdowns. In 2014, he started 12 of 13 games, achieving 49 receptions for 911 yards and five touchdowns before a groin injury limited his play late in the season. His senior year in 2015 was his most productive, with 86 receptions for 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games, including a game-winning touchdown catch against Tennessee. Overall, he concluded his collegiate career with 233 receptions for 3,482 yards and 26 touchdowns.

Shepard was drafted by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft as the 40th overall pick. He signed a four-year, $5.94 million contract. In his rookie year (2016), he made an immediate impact, starting all 16 games and recording 65 receptions for 683 yards and eight touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team. His tenure with the Giants included several productive seasons, even while navigating multiple injuries. In 2019, he signed a four-year, $41 million contract extension. After eight seasons with the Giants, he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024, signing a one-year deal. He signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract extension with the Buccaneers in March 2025.