Sterling Shepard Admits Playing With Talented Teammates Has Lit A Spark In Him
March 20th, 2025
Inspired by teammates.
Yesterday, Bucs reserve wide receiver Sterling Shepard said he never lost a passion for the game of football. Not even for a sad franchise like the Giants when he wasn’t getting many snaps.
That passion for football had a “resurgence” for Shepard when he came to the Bucs, Shepard told the local pen and mic club yesterday. Seeing how two of the very best in football, Mike Evans and Tristan Wirfs prepare, Shepard said, lit a fire under him.
“Seeing the way that Mike [Evans] attacks the game, seeing the way that Baker [Mayfield] attacks the game, Tristan [Wirfs], and all of those guys – it lights you up and it makes you want to give your all for those guys,” Shepard said. “I knew that I had a lot to give in the tank after leaving New York – it was just kind of the situation and not really being in a position to play as much and them wanting to go with the younger guys, which was understandable.
“I knew I had a lot more to give and as soon as I got my opportunity [with the Bucs], I tried to make the most of it. I feel like I have a little bit of ball left to play and I just want to max it out all of the way.”
This is great in more ways than one, Joe believes. For example, if Shepard, now entering his 10th season, is fueled and motivated, imagine what younger teammates think when they see two guys like Evans and Shepard, and a young guy like Wirfs busting their tails?
They have to think, “Gee, if those guys are working that hard, I better get off my tail.”
Joe believes this is residue from when Tom Brady was here. He worked like a maniac. Evans and Wirfs, and others like Chris Godwin, have grabbed that torch and it has set a standard around One Buc Palace.
And Joe thinks this is also one reason why the Bucs really don’t miss Devin White all that much.
March 20th, 2025 at 12:18 am
The root of Shep’s mistakes – boneheaded penalties in particular – was that he was over juiced. Trying too hard. You watch him, the dude laid it all on the line. He made some great plays when filling in while Mike and Chris were out. He and Cade. Meanwhile, Kenny Bell and Jaelen Darden were nowhere to be seen.
March 20th, 2025 at 12:21 am
Man let me tell you something, we’re nothing to think about (im joking)…Light is nothing, the off season signings are nothing, and we’ll do nothing in the draft (haha, yes we will)
Licht knows how!!! 🙂
March 20th, 2025 at 12:37 am
Shepard should count his blessings and be motivated that Mayfield likes having him on the field. That’s 99% of why he’s here, plain and simple. He keeps his end of the deal by making Baker look smart for wanting him.
March 20th, 2025 at 12:59 am
No, it’s not Brady remnants. Licht drafts high character people, as a policy. Giving Brady credit is B.S. Give credit to Baker, if you’re going to pick a QB to put it on.
March 20th, 2025 at 2:23 am
I still want another receiver in the draft.
March 20th, 2025 at 6:33 am
I will always give Brady, Arians, and Licht credit for changing the culture and work ethic. Also, I am happy that folks want to give credit to Evans, Mayfield, and Wirfs.
Can’t it be both.
March 20th, 2025 at 6:48 am
… and LVD. Been doing it right since back in the lost decade.
He may have been someone alone to a point, but always doing it right.
March 20th, 2025 at 6:50 am
I actually love the addition of Shepard to the WR room. Yea – he did a few boneheaded things in games last year. But I gotta say, he still looked quick and I love him as a number 4 WR.
March 20th, 2025 at 7:31 am
Sterling Shepard is Antonio Brown lite.
March 20th, 2025 at 8:08 am
Glad to hear it. Now maybe reign in the juice so you take fewer unnecessary penalties.
March 20th, 2025 at 10:06 am
He’s a very solid player. Just do your job and we’ll be fine……..And it’s the ref’s job to signal 1st down….
March 20th, 2025 at 10:21 am
Majority of sheps penalties came from the called rub routes that this offense uses. It’s usually coached to where you want to make them throw the flag or hope they miss it altogether for an explosive or in the red zone to open up for mike. Love Shep. Great dude. Hard worker.
March 20th, 2025 at 11:31 am
Why would the Bucs miss a player who got pushed 10 yards down field by WR’s and tried to tackle a RB with one hand as he blew by. Devin White being missed? Missed like an outbreak of Co Vid.
March 20th, 2025 at 10:25 pm
This threads are so funny to me. The players constantly state that they want to play in a place they feel wanted. ALL of them reference Coach Bowles, yet never do I see any credit given to him.
I think his clock management is not good, his in game rational is questionable and time, however 2 seasons ago the Lions coach gave the 49ers the championship game with one decision, yet which one of you wouldn’t love to have Dan Campbell:-)?
March 20th, 2025 at 11:59 pm
All this moron did last year was drop easy passes and commit stupid penalties. We don’t need him. Be free Sterling. Be free.
March 21st, 2025 at 8:20 pm
For a 10 year veteran player he needs to play better! Get separation, catch the ball, block better in the running game,……… and yes he had too many penalties. He must have a good camp otherwise save some cap room for more defensive players, cuz that’s always where the Bucs always seem to run out of players due to injuries.