Sterling Shepard hints at retirement after his series of injuries
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard on the field for warm ups before the Giants face the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in East Rutherford. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
Not long ago, Sterling Shepard looked like he would be a key cog for the New York Giants for years to come. Now, he is coming toward what may be the end of his career.
Shepard suggested that retirement may be in his plans after the 2023 season ends. He is not signed for 2024, and is aware that he certainly will not be back with the Giants even if he does try to play.
“It’s tough man, it’s not the ideal situation for me at this point in my career,” Shepard said, via Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. “You just got to find the blessing in it all and that’s what I try to do every day, try to look at the positives. I’ve had to overcome a lot to still be in this position. If I do call it quits at least I can say I went out on my own terms.”
As recently as 2018, Shepard had a bright future, posting a career-best 872 yards with 66 catches. Injuries have taken their toll since, with a torn Achilles and torn ACL in consecutive seasons essentially robbing him of his prime.
Shepard turns 31 in February, but his career looks just about finished. He has been a non-factor this season, even in a thin Giants receiving corps, with just seven catches on 16 targets.
