Sterling Shepard met with members of the media on Tuesday following the team’s first minicamp practice and expressed an appreciation for being back with the New York Giants.
“It means a lot, man, you know what I mean, this organization has been really good to me throughout my playing career, and some of the stuff that’s happened over the years. I’m grateful and thankful and I try to give this organization everything I’ve got just for those reasons,” Shepard said.
Shepard is by far the longest-tenured Giant having played seven seasons with the organization. The former Oklahoma Sooner has totaled 362 receptions, 4,038 receiving yards, and 22 touchdowns in 75 games for Big Blue. Over his first five seasons, Shepard averaged about 63 receptions, 700 yards, and four touchdowns per season.
However, in recent years the injury bug has hit Shepard hard as he has missed 24 games over the past two seasons. The veteran wideout has only totaled 49 receptions for 520 yards and two touchdowns over that span (which is less than the yearly average from the beginning of his career).
Shepard is trying to change the script on his injury history as he aims to be “ready for the season.” Rehab has been going well and he is on pace to meet his goals.
“I’m right on schedule where I wanted to be, a little bit ahead. So that’s always good. I’m just trying to take it day-by-day and just focus on getting back to a hundred percent,” he said.
Nevertheless, Shepard is an invaluable member of this Giants roster with all the experience that he has as he was on the 2016 and 2022 playoff teams. New York has a barrage of young wideouts with Wan’dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, and Isaiah Hodgins. Having a veteran presence like Shepard, who has been with the organization for nearly a decade, can help these young receivers grow.
