Week 18 was an emotional one for the New York Giants. Not only were they facing off against their NFC East rivals in the Philadelphia Eagles, a team that has owned them in recent years, it was potentially the last time wide receiver Sterling Shepard will be suiting up for the team.
The regular season finale was the last time several players will be suiting up for their current teams, but Shepard holds a special place within the Giants organization. He is currently the longest-tenured player on the team and they wanted to make sure his potential last game with the team and as a player in the NFL was one to be remembered.
It certainly should be as the Giants dominated the Eagles, 27-10. After the game, it was Shepard who took over the team’s account on X, formerly Twitter, to sign off for the season after the victory.
Shepard was involved in the offense a little bit as Tyrod Taylor and the coaching staff made a concerted effort to get him the ball so that he could move up the ranks for receptions in Giants history.
Shepard finished the game with three catches for 18 yards and one rush for six yards. That placed him as fifth all-time in Giants history with 372 receptions, passing former tight end Jeremy Shockey.
After the game, Shepherd was asked about what he hopes the fans remember him by the most. He gave a detailed, heartfelt message, hoping that he is remembered for all the positives that he brought to the table even during some tough times for the franchise.
“Whether I was hurt or out there on the field, I always gave it my all,” Shepard said in front of his locker after what was likely his last game with the Giants.
A second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma, Shepard has been the consummate professional during his time with the Giants. Injuries derailed him at times, as he suffered several serious injuries including concussions, an Achilles tear and ACL tear.
Despite that, he was always seen on the sidelines, cheering on his teammates and supporting them in any way possible. Shepard embodied what it meant to be a part of the Giants and it would not be surprising if he was retained in some capacity by the franchise whether as a coach or ambassador for the team.
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