For New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard, Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles could be the last time he suits up in blue.
It could also be the last time Shepard suits up in the NFL period.
“It’s been a great ride and I’m just looking forward to taking it all in and walking out of that tunnel,” Shepard said this week, via Giants.com. “That’s my most favorite thing about football, just running out of that tunnel. The feeling you get, it’s indescribable. I’m looking forward to that, for sure.”
Shepard will have his moment to do just that ahead of Sunday’s game. In fact, the Giants intend to introduce Shepard last, having him run out with the starters so fans can say their goodbyes.
That comes after head coach Brian Daboll had Shepard break down the team following Friday’s practice.
#NYGiants plan on having Sterling Shepard introduced last in pregame festivities tomorrow, giving him that chance to run through the tunnel at MetLife Stadium with the starters.
Brian Daboll had Shepard break down the team after practice yesterday, per @giantseisen.— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) January 6, 2024
The writing is clearly on the wall for all involved. The longest-tenured Giants will remain that for one more day and then the page will be turned.
“It is what it is. I think this point in time comes for everybody at some point throughout their career. I just look at how blessed I’ve been to be in the same spot for eight years. It’s been a blessing,” Shepard said.
Shepard won’t have his Michael Strahan moment in the end and his final season will be one to forget, but the 30-year-old still deserves a standing ovation from Giants Nation. He dedicated himself to the organization completely since being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft, and has always carried himself with dignity.
With just two catches on Sunday, Shepard could leapfrog tight end Jeremy Shocked for fifth all-time in franchise history for receptions.
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