The Oklahoma Sooners have had many great players throughout the history of their football program. While the program hasn’t been at its best in recent years, it remains one of the most prestigious and storied in college football.
With that rich history, numerous fan favorites have emerged, many of whom have gone on to play in the NFL, where both college and Oklahoma fans continue to follow their careers. One player who doesn’t always get enough recognition, but was beloved at Oklahoma, is wide receiver Sterling Shepard.
Shepard played for the Sooners, recording 233 receptions for 3,482 yards and 26 touchdowns over his four years at OU. He earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in his junior and senior years and was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award during those seasons.
The New York Giants selected Shepard in the second round (40th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he started in all 16 games, catching 65 passes for 683 yards and eight touchdowns, which earned him a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie Team. His peak came in 2018, when he recorded 66 receptions for 872 yards.
However, injuries, including ACL and Achilles tears, greatly affected his playing time later in his career. Shepard played in 90 games with the Giants, starting 74, and totaled 372 receptions, 4,095 yards, and 23 touchdowns. After his time in New York, he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on June 6, 2024, reuniting with his former Oklahoma teammate, Baker Mayfield.
While Shepard’s time in Tampa Bay hasn’t been career-reviving or spectacular, he has had a few notable moments. One of the most special occurred during his Sunday Night Football introduction on NBC.
We all know the standard player introductions where they say their name and where they went to school. During the Buccaneers’ game against the Dallas Cowboys, Shepard’s introduction was broadcast, and it became one of the most heartwarming and memorable moments in recent memory.
This moment resonated deeply with Sooners fans, but it also allowed the rest of the country to see a different side of Shepard. It was a truly special moment that showcased the connection between Shepard, his Oklahoma roots, and his enduring popularity.
