Wide receiver Sterling Shepard, a second-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft, is the longest-tenured member of the New York Giants and that will remain true for at least another few days.
However, with the 2023 regular season winding down, Shepard recognizes that his time with the Giants organization is almost certainly coming to an end.
“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 told reporters on Wednesday.
What happens next for Shepard remains to be seen. He’s open to retirement, which is something he will discuss with his family in the very near future.
“That’s stuff that I’ve got to talk over with my family, you know. Get back to my loved ones and see how they feel, too. It’s not all just based off of my decisions, I’ve got to do what’s best for my kids and where I’m at,” he said. “I get a chance to take them to school a couple of times throughout the week but obviously, they would love it if I could take them all the time. My daughters say stuff all the time about me playing still so that’s something that I’ll have to talk over with those two little girls, too.”
Shepard admits his kids don’t care too much about what he does on the field at this stage of their life, but knows his injury history has taken a toll on them.
“They don’t like to see me hurt,” he said. “That’s what pops in their minds whenever they see. . . they don’t think about the touchdowns or anything, they remember me coming home on crutches and having to kiss my knee or stuff like that. They remember walking into the training room, they go to the playroom during the game. They aren’t watching the game like that so if I have a 100-yard game it’s like whatever, a couple touchdowns, they don’t care. They just care when I’m hurting.”
Giants co-owner John Mara has reportedly stated he’d like to find an organization role for Shepard once he decides to hang them up but it’s not likely to come in the coaching department. Shepard is a family man now and more than anything else, time with his children is priority No. 1.
“That would be a lot of time away from them as well,” he said. “That’s stuff that I still have to discuss with everybody in my family.”
Although the Giants have done a whole lot of losing throughout his career, Shepard feels blessed to have been part of the organization. He realizes not everyone gets their swan song and has resigned himself to that reality.
“I know not everybody has that (Michael) Strahan story, leaving with a ring on their finger and having some good seasons behind them but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I’m very appreciative of this organization and all they have done for me, my family,” he said. “I mean, it’s truly a blessing, man.”
It’s a shame that Shepard never did get a ring because few are more deserving. He dedicated himself to the Giants organization, carried himself with nothing but class, and worked hard to return from several devastating injuries.
Whatever comes next for Shepard, one thing will remain true: He’s a Giant for life.
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