Will H Shields III

Will Shields, born in Fort Riley, Kansas, on September 15, 1971, emerged as a formidable presence in Football across his collegiate and professional careers. After excelling at Lawton High School in Oklahoma, where he was part of a state championship team in 1987, Shields played for the Nebraska Cornhuskers from 1989 to 1992. His exceptional performance at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln earned him consensus All-American honors and the prestigious Outland Trophy in 1992, solidifying his status as one of the top collegiate offensive linemen of his era. His jersey, number 75, was retired by the Nebraska Cornhuskers, a rare honor.

Shields was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He quickly made an impact, starting as right guard in his second professional game and maintaining that role for the remainder of his 14-year career. Shields never missed a game throughout his 224-game tenure, holding franchise records for most games played and started. He earned 12 consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1995 to 2006, an AFC-NFC Pro Bowl record tied upon his retirement. Shields was named first-team All-Pro three times (1999, 2002, 2003) and second-team All-Pro four times (1997, 2004, 2005, 2006). He was also a crucial component of Chiefs offensive lines that led the NFL in total yards in 2004 and 2005, and points scored in 2002 and 2003. He blocked for multiple 1,000-yard rushers and 4,000-yard passers throughout his career, including Priest Holmes’ record-setting 27 rushing touchdowns in 2003. In 2003, Shields was awarded the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for his community work, particularly with his ‘Will to Succeed’ Foundation.

Following his retirement from professional football in 2007, Shields continued his involvement with the sport and community. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2012. His career culminated in his enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015, recognizing his consistent excellence and durability. He currently serves as the Central South Director for NFL Legends, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the NFL community.