The New York Giants don’t have anything to play for in Week 18 when they host the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. However, it will be an emotional game nonetheless for a few players on the team.
Based on the direction of the franchise, some major moves could be made in the offseason. With rosters always changing, this could be the last time a few guys suit up for the Giants. One of the players who are facing that potential outcome is wide receiver Sterling Shepard.
Shepard, a second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma, is the longest-tenured player currently on the roster. He has survived multiple regime changes and has been the consummate professional throughout his tenure with the franchise.
Injuries derailed Shepard’s performance on the field and he has seen his usage rate drop considerably in recent seasons. Despite those obstacles, he has returned each time with a willingness to put in work and do whatever the team has asked of him.
He loves the franchise dearly, appreciative of the opportunities presented to him. You can hear in his voice how emotional of a weekend this could be as he knows it very well could be his last as a Giants receiver.
“It’s been a great run. I’m just looking forward to embracing it and taking it all in,” Shepard said to a group of reporters outside his locker this week in preparation for the final regular season game of the 2023 season.
Shepard added he knows it will probably be his last time in there, referencing the Giants’ locker room. He is taking it all in and added that he will discuss his football future with his family after the season is over.
Should this be the end of the road for Shepard as a player with the Giants, he said he is content with everything that he has accomplished. While the team hasn’t experienced as much winning as he would have hoped for during his tenure, he has no regrets.
In 89 games, Shepard caught 369 passes for 4,077 yards and 23 touchdowns. To play eight seasons in the NFL with how many serious injuries he has sustained is quite an accomplishment.
If this is the end, Shepard will be remembered as a player who embodied what it meant to be on the Giants. It would not be surprising if he remained with the franchise in some capacity, whether it is as a coach or in the front office.
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