Russell Shepard is one of the highest-rated recruits to ever play at LSU. A member of the class of 2009, Shepard was the No. 3 overall player in the country and No. 1 dual-threat quarterback, per 247Sports.
After playing seven years in the NFL, Shepard announced his retirement on Thursday — his 30th birthday — via his Instagram account.
While Shepard didn’t quite have the career most envisioned in Baton Rouge, he did play in 49 games for the Tigers, making 14 starts. Shepard started his career at running back before making the permanent move to wide receiver in 2010.
Shepard caught 58 passes for 570 yards and scored five touchdowns in his college career. He also rushed for 716 yards with five additional scores.
Shepard went undrafted in the 2013 NFL draft but signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. After being cut just before his rookie season, Shepard signed a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Shepard would spend four seasons in Tampa, one year with Carolina and his final two seasons with the New York Giants.
Former #Giants and #Panthers WR and special teamer Russell Shepard announces his retirement, a few weeks after turning down an offer to sign. pic.twitter.com/QCRNLdbQyH
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 17, 2020
For his NFL career, Shepard caught 60 passes for 847 yards and six touchdowns. He made a name for himself as an outstanding performer on special teams throughout his time in the NFL.
He earned his degree from LSU in December of 2012. and recently opened a business in his hometown of Houston, Texas, under the name of “Shep Boys Waste Management.”