Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard signed with the team later in the offseason than other free agents, but he said it was “Perfect timing.”
That’s in part because it allowed Shepard to spend quality time with his family and then turn his attention to the next step — for now, that means competing for a roster spot and playing with his former quarterback — but during minicamp this week, he spoke about his feelings heading into this season.
Sterling Shepard overcame many injuries to get to where he is today.
Buccaneers WR Sterling Shepard – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
Sterling Sheppard acknowledged Tuesday that he has experienced “quite a few” injuries in his career and said they have tested his will and determination in recent years.
In December 2021, he ruptured his left Achilles tendon. In September 2022, he ruptured his left anterior cruciate ligament. Both were major injuries that would have caused many players to give up. Shepherd stayed strong and relied on his mindset and beliefs to get him through the tough times.
“It’s just a mentality,” Shepherd said. “That’s the only way I can explain it, and God has got me through it. I’m a very religious person, so I try not to worry about things that are out of my control. Injuries are really out of your control. No matter how much you prepare, sometimes things just don’t go the way you expect them to. You just have to have faith. I think that’s what’s really got me through it.”
Sterling Shepherd is still trying to stay in shape, but this time he wants to get in “best shape.”
Sterling Shepard was primarily a reserve for the Giants last season, but took some time off this offseason to step in as a starter.
Buccaneers WR Sterling Shepard – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
It took the right opportunity to convince him to come back, and now he’s getting his chance to play crack with his college friends. Buccaneers roster As a veteran reinforcement option.
“I was in full dad mode,” Shepherd said. “Taking my kids to school every morning, it was awesome, spending time with them. I was just kind of figuring out what my next steps were, but it was good to be in shape in case something like this happened.”
He also spent time staying in shape in case the opportunity to return arose.
“I was running. I wasn’t running routes,” Shepard said. “I was sprinting and stuff in case something happened. I probably didn’t do it as much as I should have now that I’ve been out there and had a day of practice, but it’s hard to actually simulate going up against somebody. I had to get my body back to top condition and I felt a little sloppy today.”
Baker Mayfield talks Sterling Shepard contract at Buccaneers minicamp
Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is a longtime friend of Sterling Shepard and offered his initial thoughts on the move on Wednesday.
Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
“[Shepard’s] “He’s a nine-year veteran,” Mayfield said. “He’s had some injuries in the past and he’s looking to get a fresh start. Obviously, I can relate to that.” Mayfield added, “I’m glad he’s here. He’s a guy who’s always smiling, who works hard, who’s a motivational guy. He’s very motivated, so I’m glad to have one of my friends back, who I’ve had for a long time.”
What makes Shepard such a valuable teammate? Mayfield spoke about some of the qualities he’s seen up close in the new Buccaneers wide receiver.
“Shep has always been a family guy,” Mayfield added. “In terms of work ethic, he’s an incredible guy, an incredible teammate. Obviously, he’s not the biggest guy, but he works hard to be able to compete at this level. He’s not a selfish guy. It’s never been about himself, it’s always been about Oklahoma football. Of course, his dad played there, so he’s always been a program-oriented guy. And in the NFL, it’s about ‘how do we win?’ He has that same mentality and he works so hard to make that happen.”
In the race for the final wide receiver spot, the next month will be crucial for Sterling Shepard to get in shape and show some glimpses of the manliness he had earlier in his NFL career. If that happens, he might need to put off dad mode for a little while longer.
