Marcus Sherels started as a walk-on for the home-state Gophers before he became one of the Vikings’ best special teams players of all time.
Sherels finished his collegiate career with four interceptions. Then, Sherels signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent.
In order to succeed in the NFL, many undrafted free agents have to impress coaches early in the preseason in order to stay on the team. Sherels’ case was no different.
Bleacher Report listed him among the players who were training camp heroes. Here is what the outlet said about the Vikings return specialist:
“It took a couple of training camps for cornerback and return specialist Marcus Sherels to earn a prominent opportunity with the Minnesota Vikings. The undrafted free agent out of Minnesota earned a spot on the practice squad in 2010, and he then earned the returner gig during 2011 training camp.”
The rest is history. Sherels is the franchise’s all-time leader in punt return yards with 2,480 in total.
Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press reported that Sherels is a 50-50 decision on retiring this offseason. He is not under contract and the Vikings have yet to re-sign him.