Tag: Sterling Shepard

Which Sooners could have been on the cover of EA Sports NCAA football during its absence?

With EA Sports NCAA Football returning, which Oklahoma Sooners could have graced the cover during their hiatus since 2015.

EA Sports did what many thought was impossible by announcing it would bring back its college football video game series. After a hiatus that will have spanned at least 10 years come July, the newest version of the beloved game series will return sometime in the summer of 2024.

The last one to drop before the series ended came out in July 2013. NCAA 14 is one of the most iconic sports video games of all time because of the attachment many have to it. Its resale value has never been higher.

The reason for the original cancellation of the series? Name, image and likeness — a hot-button topic that eventually led to NIL being accepted into collegiate sports.

EA Sports couldn’t figure out how to compensate players because it wasn’t legal in that era of collegiate athletics. That hurdle has been cleared and the game looks headed for a summer release date.

Who gets the distinction of being the game’s cover athlete in its resurrection? It’s always a fun and exciting debate when new sports games come out. Former Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson graced NCAA 14’s cover. Since the last game, college football has had iconic athletes that would’ve been perfect fits to be cover athletes.

Our friends at College Wire went through and named which players they thought would have been great fits as cover athletes for the years we didn’t have a game. We decided to do the same, but only with Oklahoma players for those years. Take a look below.

Top 20 Oklahoma Sooners of all-time in receiving yards

Top 20 Oklahoma Sooners in career receiving yards.

Since the turn of the century, the Oklahoma Sooners have recruited, developed, and produced some of the best wide receivers in college football. The air-raid revolution, combined with Oklahoma’s ability to recruit allowed wide receivers to put up monster numbers in Norman.

Of the top 20 players in receiving yards in Oklahoma history, 17 of them played for the Sooners during the [autotag]Bob Stoops[/autotag] or [autotag]Lincoln Riley[/autotag] eras. The four that didn’t were [autotag]Stephen Alexander[/autotag], [autotag]Corey Warren[/autotag], and [autotag]Eddie Hinton[/autotag].

Considering how little the teams threw the football when Hinton played, it’s pretty incredible they were able to put up the numbers they did. With Drake Stoops career year in 2023, legendary tight end Keith Jackson fell out of the top 20. Jackson played at a time when they didn’t throw the ball a ton, but his athleticism and speed allowed him to make the most of his opportunities.

Who knows what his numbers would look like in a modern offense. Imagine Brock Bowers but with even bigger numbers.

Half of the players in the top 20 in receiving yards averaged 15 or more yards per reception.

No player with at least 75 receptions in their Sooners career averaged more yards per reception than [autotag]Marvin Mims[/autotag] 19.5 per catch. His first 1,000-yard season in 2022 helped him reach eighth all-time in receiving yards at the University of Oklahoma.

[autotag]DeMarco Murray[/autotag]’s 1,571 receiving yards puts him 20th all-time.

Nic Anderson looks like the next player to enter the top 20, if he’s able to recreate his breakout 2023 season in 2024. By the end of his Sooners career, he could be flirting with the top 10 in career receiving yards at the University of Oklahoma.

Here’s an updated look at Oklahoma’s top 20 Sooners in receiving yards all time.

Giants’ Sterling Shepard opens up about infamous boat photo

New York Giants WR Sterling Shepard, the lone remaining member from the infamous “boat picture,” opens up about the viral image.

It’s a story that simply won’t go away — this 2016 ‘boat trip’ excursion down to Florida by the New York Giants receivers before a big playoff game.

During a recent appearance on the 2nd Wind Podcast, Sterling Shepard, the only remaining player from that trip who is still on the Giants’ roster, was asked once again about the ill-advised jaunt which was followed by the Giants getting trounced, 38-13, by the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round.

“We didn’t put out the picture,” Shepard said, as transcribed by Sports Illustrated. “To be honest, everybody went out that night; it’s just that most guys went into the city. Me, O (Odell Beckham Jr.), Victor (Cruz), and Roger (Lewis), we had the means to go get a (private jet) and go to Miami for the night.

“Now, we didn’t know the PJ was going to have malfunctions and not be able to get back when we were supposed to be back, but yeah, we just took it to Miami. Which, in hindsight, all the distractions that it caused, I would take that part about it back, but we had a good time, and we had two weeks before the playoff game.”

Many believed the trip was the beginning of the deep problems the organization would endure after the “parting of wats” with Tom Coughlin after the 2015 season.

And the loss that started it all will always be connected with that dreaded boat picture.

“We knew we were going to have to play a perfect game, and if not, it was going to be blamed on that, and we didn’t play a perfect game. We didn’t play a good game at all,” Shepard says.

The Giants have had five head coaches and even more coordinators since Coughlin left the building. They have been among the NFL’s cellar dwellers the past decade sans a trip to the playoffs last year.

But they sunk right back down to the bottom of the league this season amid injuries and dysfunction leading fans to again question if the club is headed in the right direction.

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Sterling Shepard would need ‘perfect situation’ to continue NFL career

Sterling Shepard’s time with the Giants is almost certainly over and he’d need a “perfect situation” in order to continue his NFL career.

As the conclusion of the 2023 season neared, it became apparent that wide receiver Sterling Shepard, the New York Giants’ longest-tenured player, was likely on his way out.

Shepard was given a proper send-off in the Giants’ season finale — one which Shepard fully embraced while moving into fifth place on the franchise’s all-time receptions list.

Following the regular season finale, Shepard took to Instagram to say farewell to Giants fans.

This week, Shepard was a guest on The Carton Show on FOX Sports and was asked about the possibility of continuing his career.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2PqUDgrhiw/

“You’re going to make me say that on here? I just feel like it’s too early for me to answer that right now. You know what I mean? But it’s gotta be a perfect situation for me to come back to the game to be honest,” Shepard said.

“You know what, it’s been a rough couple of battles with us and the Eagles so, I definitely, if this is the end of my career, what a way to go out.”

It’s interesting to ponder what the perfect situation would be for Shepard. Possibly a place like San Francisco or Miami, where Shepard could add depth to a team with two of the league’s most dynamic receivers.

Shep could also bring value to a Kansas City Chiefs team that’s scarce at the wide receiver position despite being a Super Bowl contender every year. Patrick Mahomes would also provide Shepard with the best quarterback he’s ever played with.

Shepard brought a ton of value to the Giants over the last few years, helping the youth in the wide receiver room, and will certainly be missed both in the locker room and by the fans.

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Sterling Shepard says goodbye to Giants, fans: ‘Forever grateful’

Sterling Shepard shares an emotional and heartfelt goodbye to the New York Giants organization and their loyal fans.

Entering a Week 18 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, most knew it represented the end for New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard.

Shepard would be playing in his final game for the Giants and, very likely, his last game in the NFL. Accordingly, the team prepared a proper send-off, introducing Shepard last so that he could take in the moment and allow fans to bid him farewell.

Then, throughout the game, the Giants routinely targeted Shep, attempting to help him climb the team’s all-time ranks and get him one last touchdown.

Although the touchdown never came, Shepard did catch three passes, which pushed him ahead of Jeremy Shockey for fifth in all-time franchise receptions.

On Tuesday, 48 hours after his final moments at MetLife Stadium, Shepard shared a heartfelt goodbye to the Giants organization and their legions of fans.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C15bwhtuUE0/

“Forever grateful to the New York Giants organization, past and present teammates, and the incredible fan base for their unwavering love and support over the past 8 years,” Shepard wrote.

“New Jersey, my second home, will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for embracing me with open arms and making me feel like family. Once a Giant, always a Giant!”

Yes, indeed. Once a Giant, Always a Giant. Shepard will be missed.

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Saquon Barkley on uncertain Giants future: ‘It was a fun six years’

If Sunday’s game was the last he’ll ever play in a New York Giants uniform, RB Saquon Barkley says “it was a fun six years.”

As the final seconds ticked away on Sunday evening, reality began to set in for New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley.

The former first-round pick stood back and watched as his close friend, wide receiver Sterling Shepard, said his goodbyes. It was likely his final game as a Giant and, potentially, his last game in the NFL.

“He epitomizes what it means to be a Giant,” Barkley said of Shepard. “That’s my brother, man. It’s deeper than football with me and him. He’s kind of like a big brother to me. We’ve got a lot in common, our kids are best friends.”

But it wasn’t just Shepard’s future that crossed Barkley’s mind.

Although he’d like to brush it off and pretend he wasn’t thinking about it, Barkley recognized that Sunday’s dominant victory over the Eagles could have been his last game with the Giants, too. And if it was, it’s been a fun ride.

“If it is my last game, playing here, if it is, it was a fun six years,” Barkley said. “Made a lot of great memories, but it’s not like the last time I’m ever playing football. I can’t control that, so I’m not letting my emotions. If I knew that it was my last game, I probably would feel a little different but like I said, I have no idea.”

Barkley is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March and could be a franchise tag option once again, but that’s something he’d like to avoid. And at 120% of his 2023 salary, it’s probably something general manager Joe Schoen would also like to avoid.

That creates a precarious situation given that the Giants refused to bow to Barkley’s contract demands a year ago. Now he’s got another year of wear and tear on him, dealt with an injury, and finished the year with under 1,000 yards.

But that’s something to worry about down the line, Barkley says. For now, he just wants to enjoy a season-ending win over the Eagles and finally getting that monkey off his back.

“We didn’t have the season we want, but we were able to control this last game and how we go out and we all made up in our mind that we wanted to go out on top with a win and we were able to get that,” Barkley said.

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Sterling Shepard climbs all-time Giants ranks in final game

In his final game as a member of the New York Giants, Sterling Shepard climbed the franchise ranks in receptions, passing Jeremy Shockey.

On Sunday, the New York Giants dominated the Philadelphia Eagles, 27-10, ending their season on a high note.

Entering the game, the longest-tenured Giant, Sterling Shepard, knew his time with the team was likely coming to an end.

Surely his three catches for 18 yards and one carry for six yards aren’t going to jump off the stat book. However, they were enough to help Shepard reach a milestone.

With Shepard’s final catch of the game, he passed former Giant Jeremy Shockey and moved into fifth place in franchise history for receptions.

“Yeah, it meant a lot. I grew up watching that guy and it was a special deal being able to get it. It wasn’t easy but my career hasn’t been easy. So, I didn’t expect it to be any other way, but it was a great feeling.” Shepard told reporters.

Like Shepard, Shockey was drafted by the Giants and spent the majority of his career with Big Blue.

If this is it, Shepard will finish just 18 receptions shy of his former teammate Odell Beckham Jr.

Shepard got to make his own entrance on Sunday:

The Giants were clearly trying to target Shepard in the red zone in the game’s final minutes to get him a touchdown. That didn’t happen but he still received a game ball following the victory and was selected to break down the team.

Shepard is a fan favorite. If this concludes his time with the team, his final game will be what moved him into fifth place on the Giants’ all-time receptions list and he did it in a win.

As the old adage goes, Once a Giant, Always a Giant.

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Giants-Eagles Week 18: Offense, defense and special teams snap counts

The New York Giants won their Week 18 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Here are the snap counts on offense, defense and special teams.

The New York Giants closed out a dismal 2023 campaign in unexpected fashion, dominating the Philadelphia Eagles, 27-10, at MetLife Stadium.

The score doesn’t indicate just how badly the Giants stomped all over their NFC East rivals as Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni waived the white flag at halftime, removing most of his starters from the game.

With the win, the Giants closed things out with a record of 6-11 and now head into an offseason filled with uncertainty.

Here are the snap counts that contributed to the Giants’ most season-ending victory.

Offensive snaps: 67
Defensive snaps: 65
Special teams snaps: 26

In what was likely his final game as a member of the Giants, wide receiver Sterling Shepard saw action on 25 percent of the team’s offensive snaps. Fellow wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins also saw an increase in playing time with 53 snaps.

Defensively, safety Xavier McKinney and linebacker Bobby Okereke closed out the season having taken all 100 percent of the team’s snaps for the 17th straight game. Impressive.

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Giants will give fans chance to say goodbye to Sterling Shepard

The New York Giants will announce WR Sterling Shepard last on Sunday, allowing the MetLife Stadium crowd to wish him farewell.

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.

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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Giants vs. Eagles: 5 biggest storylines for Week 18

The New York Giants face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 18. Here are the five biggest storylines to follow for this contest.

The New York Giants (5-11) host the Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) in the 2023 regular-season finale at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday afternoon.

Here are five storylines to follow before kickoff in Week 18.