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{{Short description|Canadian-born American football player (born 1993)}} |
{{Short description|Canadian-born American football player (born 1993)}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}} |
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}} |
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{{current sports transaction|sport=American football|trans=signing}} |
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{{Infobox NFL biography |
{{Infobox NFL biography |
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| name |
| name = Nathan Shepherd |
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| image |
| image = Nathan Shepherd.jpg |
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| caption |
| caption = Shepherd in 2019 |
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| current_team |
| current_team = New Orleans Saints |
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| number |
| number = 93 |
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| position |
| position = [[Defensive tackle]] |
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| birth_date |
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|10|9}} |
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| birth_place |
| birth_place = [[Ajax, Ontario]], [[Canada]] |
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| height_ft |
| height_ft = 6 |
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| height_in |
| height_in = 4 |
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| weight_lb |
| weight_lb = 315 |
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| high_school |
| high_school = [[J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate]]<br/>(Ajax, Ontario, Canada) |
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| college |
| college = [[Simon Fraser Clan football|Simon Fraser]]<br>[[Fort Hays State Tigers football|Fort Hays State]] |
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| draftyear |
| draftyear = 2018 |
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| draftround |
| draftround = 3 |
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| draftpick |
| draftpick = 72 |
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| pastteams |
| pastteams = |
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* [[New York Jets]] ({{NFL Year|2018}}–{{NFL Year|2022}}) |
* [[New York Jets]] ({{NFL Year|2018}}–{{NFL Year|2022}}) |
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* [[New Orleans Saints]] ({{NFL Year|2023}}–present) |
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| status = Active |
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| |
| status = Active |
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| highlights = |
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| statweek=9 |
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| statweek = |
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| statseason=2022 |
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| statseason = 2023 |
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| statlabel1=[[Tackle (football move)|Total tackles]] |
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| statlabel1 = [[Tackle (football move)|Total tackles]] |
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| statvalue1=83 |
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| statvalue1 = 154 |
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| statlabel2=[[Quarterback sack|Sacks]] |
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| statlabel2 = [[Quarterback sack|Sacks]] |
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| statvalue2=5.5 |
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| statvalue2 = 9.5 |
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| statlabel3=[[Fumble|Forced fumbles]] |
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| statlabel3 = [[Fumble|Forced fumbles]] |
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| statvalue3= |
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| statvalue3 = |
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| statlabel4=[[Fumble|Fumble recoveries]] |
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| statlabel4 = [[Fumble|Fumble recoveries]] |
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| statvalue4= |
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| statvalue4 = |
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| nflnew=Nathan-Shepherd |
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|pfr=ShepNa00 |
| pfr = ShepNa00 |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Nathan Daniel Shepherd''' (born October 9, 1993) is a [[Canadian]] professional [[American football]] [[defensive tackle]] |
'''Nathan Daniel Shepherd''' (born October 9, 1993) is a [[Canadian]] professional [[American football]] [[defensive tackle]] for the [[New Orleans Saints]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He played [[college football]] at [[Simon Fraser Clan football|Simon Fraser]] and [[Fort Hays State Tigers football|Fort Hays State]]. |
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==Early |
==Early years== |
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Shepherd grew up in [[Ajax, Ontario]], where he played youth football with the Ajax/Pickering Dolphins Football Club.<ref name=earlylife>{{cite web|url=http://torontosun.com/sports/football/canadian-nathan-shepherds-incredible-seven-year-journey-to-the-nfl|title=Canadian Nathan Shepherd's incredible seven-year journey to the NFL|author=Kryk, John|publisher=Toronto Sun|date=March 4, 2018|access-date=March 13, 2018}}</ref> |
Shepherd grew up in [[Ajax, Ontario]], where he played youth football with the Ajax/Pickering Dolphins Football Club.<ref name=earlylife>{{cite web|url=http://torontosun.com/sports/football/canadian-nathan-shepherds-incredible-seven-year-journey-to-the-nfl|title=Canadian Nathan Shepherd's incredible seven-year journey to the NFL|author=Kryk, John|publisher=Toronto Sun|date=March 4, 2018|access-date=March 13, 2018}}</ref> |
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==College career== |
==College career== |
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At [[Simon Fraser University]], Shepherd redshirted his first year and was able to start every game his second year as a defensive end. He left the university after a total of two years, as he was no longer able to pay tuition. After leaving Simon Fraser, Shepherd spent time in various jobs including working in a plant nursery, electrical construction, and a cardboard box factory. [[Fort Hays State University]] later reached out to Shepherd, and Shepherd was able to pay his first semester of tuition before being put on athletic scholarship.<ref name=earlylife /> After his 2017 season, Shepherd was named the [[Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association |
At [[Simon Fraser University]], Shepherd [[redshirted]] his first year and was able to start every game his second year as a [[defensive end]]. He left the university after a total of two years, as he was no longer able to pay tuition. After leaving Simon Fraser, Shepherd spent time in various jobs including working in a plant nursery, electrical construction, and a cardboard box factory. [[Fort Hays State University]] later reached out to Shepherd, and Shepherd was able to pay his first semester of tuition before being put on athletic scholarship.<ref name=earlylife /> After his 2017 season, Shepherd was named the [[Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association]] Defensive Player of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kwch.com/content/sports/Fort-Hays-lands-three-on--457479023.html|title=FHSU cleans up in the All-MIAA football awards|publisher=KWCH|date=November 14, 2017|access-date=March 13, 2018}}</ref> He was also invited to play in the [[2018 Senior Bowl]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hayspost.com/2017/11/13/nathan-shepherd-selected-to-play-in-nflpa-collegiate-bowl/|title=Nathan Shepherd selected to play in NFLPA Collegiate Bowl|publisher=Hays Post|date=November 13, 2017|access-date=March 13, 2018}}</ref> |
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==Professional career== |
==Professional career== |
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===Pre-draft=== |
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On November 20, 2017, it was announced that Shepherd had accepted his invitation to play in the [[2018 Senior Bowl]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Prospects that have accepted invites to 2018 Senior Bowl |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000880317/article/prospects-that-have-accepted-invites-to-2018-senior-bowl |access-date=August 23, 2018 |website=NFL.com| date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> He became the first player from Fort Hays State to receive an invitation to the [[Senior Bowl]]. Shepherd was productive during Senior Bowl practices and had his draft stock rise significantly after displaying speed, power, and technique while going up against the top offensive linemen in the nation.<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL Long Shot Nathan Shepherd Turning Heads At The Senior Bowl |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/denver-broncos/Article/NFL-Long-Shot-Nathan-Shepherd-Turning-Heads-At-The-Senior-Bowl-114164448/ |access-date=August 23, 2018 |website=247sports.com |author=Dumler, Carl |date=January 24, 2018}}</ref> Shepherd unfortunately suffered a broken hand during Senior Bowl practice and was unable to participate in the official game.<ref>{{cite web |title=Meet Nathan Shepherd, the DL prospect who wrecked small-school doubts |url=https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2018/04/17/meet-nathan-shepherd-the-dl-prospect-who-wrecked-small-school-doubts/ |access-date=August 23, 2018 |website=draftwire.usatoday.com |author=Melo, Justin |date=April 17, 2018}}</ref> |
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On November 20, 2017, it was announced that Shepherd had accepted his invitation to play in the [[2018 Senior Bowl]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Prospects that have accepted invites to 2018 Senior Bowl |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/prospects-that-have-accepted-invites-to-2018-senior-bowl-0ap3000000880317 |access-date=August 23, 2018 |website=NFL.com| date=November 20, 2017}}</ref> He became the first player from Fort Hays State to receive an invitation to the [[Senior Bowl]]. Shepherd was productive during Senior Bowl practices and had his draft stock rise significantly after displaying speed, power, and technique while going up against the top offensive linemen in the nation.<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL Long Shot Nathan Shepherd Turning Heads At The Senior Bowl |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/denver-broncos/Article/NFL-Long-Shot-Nathan-Shepherd-Turning-Heads-At-The-Senior-Bowl-114164448/ |access-date=August 23, 2018 |website=247sports.com |author=Dumler, Carl |date=January 24, 2018}}</ref> Shepherd unfortunately suffered a broken hand during Senior Bowl practice and was unable to participate in the official game.<ref>{{cite web |title=Meet Nathan Shepherd, the DL prospect who wrecked small-school doubts |url=https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2018/04/17/meet-nathan-shepherd-the-dl-prospect-who-wrecked-small-school-doubts/ |access-date=August 23, 2018 |website=draftwire.usatoday.com |author=Melo, Justin |date=April 17, 2018}}</ref> |
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{{external media |
{{external media |
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Shepherd attended the [[NFL Scouting Combine]] in [[Indianapolis]] and completed the majority of combine drills, but opted to skip the bench press due to his fractured hand. His performance continued to raise his draft stock and garnered him attention throughout the draft process. On March 12, 2018, Shepherd held a pro day at Fort Hays State, but opted to stand on his combine numbers and only performed positional drills for the scouts and team representatives from 16 NFL teams that attended. Shepherd attended ten private meetings with team and also performed at private workouts for multiple teams, that included the [[Dallas Cowboys]], [[Arizona Cardinals]], [[Atlanta Falcons]], and [[Houston Texans]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL draft guru Mike Mayock impressed with Canadian Nathan Shepherd |url=https://www.barrietoday.com/national-sports/nfl-draft-guru-mike-mayock-impressed-with-canadian-nathan-shepherd-900385 |access-date=August 23, 2018 |website=barrietoday.com |date=April 20, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Texans to have private workout with Fort Hays State DT Nathan Shepherd |url=https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2018/03/26/texans-to-have-private-workout-with-fort-hays-state-dt-nathan-shepherd/ |access-date=August 23, 2018 |website=texanswire.usatoday.com |author=Risdon, Jeff |date=March 26, 2018}}</ref> At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Shepherd was projected to be a second or third round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked as the sixth best defensive tackle prospect in the draft by DraftScout.com and [[Scouts Inc.]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Nathan Shepherd, DS #6 DT, Fort Hays State |url=http://www.draftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=1026355&draftyear=2018&genpos=dt |access-date=August 24, 2018 |website=draftscout.com}}</ref> |
Shepherd attended the [[NFL Scouting Combine]] in [[Indianapolis]] and completed the majority of combine drills, but opted to skip the bench press due to his fractured hand. His performance continued to raise his draft stock and garnered him attention throughout the draft process. On March 12, 2018, Shepherd held a [[pro day]] at Fort Hays State, but opted to stand on his combine numbers and only performed positional drills for the scouts and team representatives from 16 NFL teams that attended. Shepherd attended ten private meetings with team and also performed at private workouts for multiple teams, that included the [[Dallas Cowboys]], [[Arizona Cardinals]], [[Atlanta Falcons]], and [[Houston Texans]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NFL draft guru Mike Mayock impressed with Canadian Nathan Shepherd |url=https://www.barrietoday.com/national-sports/nfl-draft-guru-mike-mayock-impressed-with-canadian-nathan-shepherd-900385 |access-date=August 23, 2018 |website=barrietoday.com |date=April 20, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Texans to have private workout with Fort Hays State DT Nathan Shepherd |url=https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2018/03/26/texans-to-have-private-workout-with-fort-hays-state-dt-nathan-shepherd/ |access-date=August 23, 2018 |website=texanswire.usatoday.com |author=Risdon, Jeff |date=March 26, 2018}}</ref> At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Shepherd was projected to be a second or third round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked as the sixth best defensive tackle prospect in the draft by DraftScout.com and [[Scouts Inc.]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Nathan Shepherd, DS #6 DT, Fort Hays State |url=http://www.draftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=1026355&draftyear=2018&genpos=dt |access-date=August 24, 2018 |website=draftscout.com}}</ref> |
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{{external media |
{{external media |
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| video1 = |
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| arm span = 32 3/8 |
| arm span = 32 3/8 |
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| hand span = 10 1/8 |
| hand span = 10 1/8 |
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| note = All values from NFL Combine<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.nfl.com/prospects/nathan-shepherd |
| note = All values from [[NFL Combine]]<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.nfl.com/prospects/nathan-shepherd/32005348-4551-7895-806f-195b8a37f46d | title = Nathan Shepherd Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | work = [[NFL.com]] | date = March 1, 2018 | access-date = March 1, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1026355&DraftYear=2018 | title = Fort Hays State DT Nathan Shepherd : 2018 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile | work = DraftScout.com | access-date = May 12, 2018}}</ref> |
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===New York Jets=== |
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The [[New York Jets]] selected Shepherd in the third round (72nd overall) in the [[2018 NFL Draft]]. Shepherd was the sixth defensive tackle drafted in 2018 and became only the third player to be drafted in the history of Fort Hays State.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nathan Shepherd selected by Jets with 72nd pick in 2018 NFL Draft|url=https://www.ganggreennation.com/2018/4/27/17294310/nathan-shepherd-selected-by-jets-with-72nd-pick-in-2018-nfl-draft|website=GangGreenNation.com|date=April 27, 2018|access-date=July 2, 2018}}</ref> He became the first player to be drafted from Fort Hays State since [[Frankie Neal]] was drafted by the [[Green Bay Packers]] in the third round (71st overall) of the [[1987 NFL Draft]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Football Database: Fort Hays State |url=https://www.footballdb.com/draft/college.html?c=Fort+Hays+State |access-date=August 24, 2018 |website=FootballDB.com}}</ref> |
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The [[New York Jets]] selected Shepherd in the third round (72nd overall) in the [[2018 NFL Draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2018/draft.htm |access-date=2023-05-17 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Shepherd was the sixth defensive tackle drafted in 2018 and became only the third player to be drafted in the history of Fort Hays State.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nathan Shepherd selected by Jets with 72nd pick in 2018 NFL Draft|url=https://www.ganggreennation.com/2018/4/27/17294310/nathan-shepherd-selected-by-jets-with-72nd-pick-in-2018-nfl-draft|website=GangGreenNation.com|date=April 27, 2018|access-date=July 2, 2018}}</ref> He became the first player to be drafted from Fort Hays State since [[Frankie Neal]] was drafted by the [[Green Bay Packers]] in the third round (71st overall) of the [[1987 NFL Draft]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Football Database: Fort Hays State |url=https://www.footballdb.com/draft/college.html?c=Fort+Hays+State |access-date=August 24, 2018 |website=FootballDB.com}}</ref> On May 14, 2018, the Jets signed Shepherd to a four-year, $3.87 million contract that includes a [[signing bonus]] of $987,724.<ref>{{cite web |title=Spotrac.com: Nathan Shepherd contract |url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/new-york-jets/nathan-shepherd-25171/ |access-date=August 23, 2018 |website=Spotrac.com}}</ref> |
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{{external media |
{{external media |
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| video1 = |
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[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap3000000929637/Jets-select-Nathan-Shepherd-No-72-in-the-2018-NFL-Draft Jets draft Nathan Shepherd 72nd overall] |
[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap3000000929637/Jets-select-Nathan-Shepherd-No-72-in-the-2018-NFL-Draft Jets draft Nathan Shepherd 72nd overall] |
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On May 14, 2018, the New York Jets signed Shepherd to a four-year, [[United States dollar|$]]3.87 million [[contract]] that includes a [[signing bonus]] of $987,724.<ref>{{cite web |title=Spotrac.com: Nathan Shepherd contract |url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/new-york-jets/nathan-shepherd-25171/ |access-date=August 23, 2018 |website=Spotrac.com}}</ref> |
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Shepherd was suspended for six games for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drugs policy on September 10, 2019. It was revealed that Shepherd underwent a [[sports hernia]] surgery in the off-season plus battling a shoulder issue and a herniated disc in his back. Shepherd confessed about using the PEDs in an effort to speed up his recovery, which eventually led to his suspension.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jets DT Shepherd banned 6, admits to using PED |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27588358/jets-dt-shepherd-banned-6-admits-using-ped |website=ESPN.com |date=September 10, 2019 |access-date=September 10, 2019}}</ref> He was reinstated from suspension on October 29, 2019, and was activated on November 1, 2019.<ref>{{cite news |author=Greenberg, Ethan |title=DL Nathan Shepherd Returns to Roster, Jets Place Trenton Cannon on IR |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-dl-nathan-shepherd-returns-to-roster-place-trenton-cannon-on-ir |website=NewYorkJets.com |date=November 1, 2019 |access-date=November 1, 2019}}</ref> |
Shepherd was suspended for six games for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drugs policy on September 10, 2019. It was revealed that Shepherd underwent a [[sports hernia]] surgery in the off-season plus battling a shoulder issue and a herniated disc in his back. Shepherd confessed about using the PEDs in an effort to speed up his recovery, which eventually led to his suspension.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jets DT Shepherd banned 6, admits to using PED |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27588358/jets-dt-shepherd-banned-6-admits-using-ped |website=ESPN.com |date=September 10, 2019 |access-date=September 10, 2019}}</ref> He was reinstated from suspension on October 29, 2019, and was activated on November 1, 2019.<ref>{{cite news |author=Greenberg, Ethan |title=DL Nathan Shepherd Returns to Roster, Jets Place Trenton Cannon on IR |url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-dl-nathan-shepherd-returns-to-roster-place-trenton-cannon-on-ir |website=NewYorkJets.com |date=November 1, 2019 |access-date=November 1, 2019 |archive-date=September 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920023230/https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-dl-nathan-shepherd-returns-to-roster-place-trenton-cannon-on-ir |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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On March 16, 2022, Shepherd signed a one-year contract extension with the Jets.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jets Re-Sign DL Nathan Shepherd|url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-re-sign-dl-nathan-shepherd|author=Greenberg, Ethan|website=NewYorkJets.com|date=March 16, 2022}}</ref> |
On March 16, 2022, Shepherd signed a one-year contract extension with the Jets.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jets Re-Sign DL Nathan Shepherd|url=https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jets-re-sign-dl-nathan-shepherd|author=Greenberg, Ethan|website=NewYorkJets.com|date=March 16, 2022}}</ref> |
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===New Orleans Saints=== |
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On March 17, 2023, Shepherd signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the [[New Orleans Saints]].<ref>{{cite web|title=New Orleans Saints agree to terms with defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd|url=https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/nathan-shepherd-new-orleans-saints-defensive-tackle-roster-free-agency-2023|website=NewOrleansSaints.com|date=March 17, 2023}}</ref> |
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== Career statistics == |
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{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" |
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! colspan="2" |Legend |
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|- |
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|'''Bold''' |
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|Career high |
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|} |
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=== Regular season === |
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |
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! rowspan="2" |Year |
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! rowspan="2" |Team |
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! colspan="2" |Games |
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! colspan="4" |Tackles |
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|- |
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!GP |
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!GS |
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!Cmb |
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!Solo |
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!Ast |
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!Sck |
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|- |
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![[2018 NFL season|2018]] |
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![[2018 New York Jets season|NYJ]] |
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|16 |
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|'''5''' |
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|15 |
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|5 |
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|10 |
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|0.0 |
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|- |
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![[2019 NFL season|2019]] |
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![[2019 New York Jets season|NYJ]] |
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|9 |
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|0 |
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|11 |
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|6 |
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|5 |
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|2.0 |
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|- |
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![[2020 NFL season|2020]] |
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![[2020 New York Jets season|NYJ]] |
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|14 |
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|3 |
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|17 |
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|8 |
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|9 |
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|'''2.5''' |
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|- |
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![[2021 NFL season|2021]] |
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![[2021 New York Jets season|NYJ]] |
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|'''17''' |
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|1 |
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|28 |
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|'''17''' |
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|11 |
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|0.0 |
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|- |
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![[2022 NFL season|2022]] |
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![[2022 New York Jets season|NYJ]] |
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|'''17''' |
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|3 |
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|'''33''' |
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|16 |
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|'''17''' |
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|1.5 |
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|- |
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! colspan="2" |[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/ShepNa00.htm Career] |
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!73 |
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!12 |
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!104 |
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!52 |
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!52 |
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!6.0 |
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|} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{commons}} |
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*[https://www.neworleanssaints.com/team/players-roster/nathan-shepherd/ New Orleans Saints bio] |
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*[https://www.fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3933 Fort Hays State bio] |
*[https://www.fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3933 Fort Hays State bio] |
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*[https://www.newyorkjets.com/team/players-roster/nathan-shepherd/ New York Jets bio] |
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{{New |
{{New Orleans Saints roster navbox}} |
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{{Jets2018DraftPicks}} |
{{Jets2018DraftPicks}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category:1993 births]] |
[[Category:1993 births]] |
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[[Category:Living people]] |
[[Category:Living people]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Sportspeople from Ajax, Ontario]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Players of American football from Ontario]] |
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[[Category:Black Canadian players of American football]] |
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[[Category:American football defensive tackles]] |
[[Category:American football defensive tackles]] |
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[[Category:Simon Fraser |
[[Category:Simon Fraser Red Leafs football players]] |
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[[Category:Fort Hays State Tigers football players]] |
[[Category:Fort Hays State Tigers football players]] |
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[[Category:New York Jets players]] |
[[Category:New York Jets players]] |
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[[Category:New Orleans Saints players]] |
Revision as of 02:25, 10 July 2024
![]() Shepherd in 2019 | |||||
No. 93 – New Orleans Saints | |||||
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Position: | Defensive tackle | ||||
Personal information | |||||
Born: | Ajax, Ontario, Canada | October 9, 1993||||
Height: | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | ||||
Weight: | 315 lb (143 kg) | ||||
Career information | |||||
High school: | J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate (Ajax, Ontario, Canada) | ||||
College: | Simon Fraser Fort Hays State | ||||
NFL draft: | 2018 / Round: 3 / Pick: 72 | ||||
Career history | |||||
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Roster status: | Active | ||||
Career NFL statistics as of 2023 | |||||
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Player stats at PFR |
Nathan Daniel Shepherd (born October 9, 1993) is a Canadian professional American football defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Simon Fraser and Fort Hays State.
Early years
Shepherd grew up in Ajax, Ontario, where he played youth football with the Ajax/Pickering Dolphins Football Club.[1]
College career
At Simon Fraser University, Shepherd redshirted his first year and was able to start every game his second year as a defensive end. He left the university after a total of two years, as he was no longer able to pay tuition. After leaving Simon Fraser, Shepherd spent time in various jobs including working in a plant nursery, electrical construction, and a cardboard box factory. Fort Hays State University later reached out to Shepherd, and Shepherd was able to pay his first semester of tuition before being put on athletic scholarship.[1] After his 2017 season, Shepherd was named the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Defensive Player of the Year.[2] He was also invited to play in the 2018 Senior Bowl.[3]
Professional career
Pre-draft
On November 20, 2017, it was announced that Shepherd had accepted his invitation to play in the 2018 Senior Bowl.[4] He became the first player from Fort Hays State to receive an invitation to the Senior Bowl. Shepherd was productive during Senior Bowl practices and had his draft stock rise significantly after displaying speed, power, and technique while going up against the top offensive linemen in the nation.[5] Shepherd unfortunately suffered a broken hand during Senior Bowl practice and was unable to participate in the official game.[6]
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“NFL body, NFL movement skills. I’ve had a couple NFL people tell me that he’s actually bigger than Malik Jackson, but offers that kind of versatility of inside-outside. He’s a powerful man and very raw. A guy that could affect quarterbacks and the run game”[7]
Shepherd attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and completed the majority of combine drills, but opted to skip the bench press due to his fractured hand. His performance continued to raise his draft stock and garnered him attention throughout the draft process. On March 12, 2018, Shepherd held a pro day at Fort Hays State, but opted to stand on his combine numbers and only performed positional drills for the scouts and team representatives from 16 NFL teams that attended. Shepherd attended ten private meetings with team and also performed at private workouts for multiple teams, that included the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, and Houston Texans.[8][9] At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Shepherd was projected to be a second or third round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked as the sixth best defensive tackle prospect in the draft by DraftScout.com and Scouts Inc.[10]
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Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | ||
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6 ft 3+3⁄4 in (1.92 m) |
315 lb (143 kg) |
32+3⁄8 in (0.82 m) |
10+1⁄8 in (0.26 m) |
5.09 s | 1.77 s | 2.94 s | 4.53 s | 7.50 s | 31 in (0.79 m) |
9 ft 4 in (2.84 m) | ||
All values from NFL Combine[11][12] |
New York Jets
The New York Jets selected Shepherd in the third round (72nd overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft.[13] Shepherd was the sixth defensive tackle drafted in 2018 and became only the third player to be drafted in the history of Fort Hays State.[14] He became the first player to be drafted from Fort Hays State since Frankie Neal was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round (71st overall) of the 1987 NFL Draft.[15] On May 14, 2018, the Jets signed Shepherd to a four-year, $3.87 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $987,724.[16]
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Shepherd was suspended for six games for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drugs policy on September 10, 2019. It was revealed that Shepherd underwent a sports hernia surgery in the off-season plus battling a shoulder issue and a herniated disc in his back. Shepherd confessed about using the PEDs in an effort to speed up his recovery, which eventually led to his suspension.[17] He was reinstated from suspension on October 29, 2019, and was activated on November 1, 2019.[18]
On March 16, 2022, Shepherd signed a one-year contract extension with the Jets.[19]
New Orleans Saints
On March 17, 2023, Shepherd signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the New Orleans Saints.[20]
Career statistics
Legend | |
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Bold | Career high |
Regular season
Year | Team | Games | Tackles | ||||
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GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | ||
2018 | NYJ | 16 | 5 | 15 | 5 | 10 | 0.0 |
2019 | NYJ | 9 | 0 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 2.0 |
2020 | NYJ | 14 | 3 | 17 | 8 | 9 | 2.5 |
2021 | NYJ | 17 | 1 | 28 | 17 | 11 | 0.0 |
2022 | NYJ | 17 | 3 | 33 | 16 | 17 | 1.5 |
Career | 73 | 12 | 104 | 52 | 52 | 6.0 |
References
- ^ a b Kryk, John (March 4, 2018). "Canadian Nathan Shepherd's incredible seven-year journey to the NFL". Toronto Sun. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
- ^ "FHSU cleans up in the All-MIAA football awards". KWCH. November 14, 2017. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
- ^ "Nathan Shepherd selected to play in NFLPA Collegiate Bowl". Hays Post. November 13, 2017. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
- ^ "Prospects that have accepted invites to 2018 Senior Bowl". NFL.com. November 20, 2017. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
- ^ Dumler, Carl (January 24, 2018). "NFL Long Shot Nathan Shepherd Turning Heads At The Senior Bowl". 247sports.com. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
- ^ Melo, Justin (April 17, 2018). "Meet Nathan Shepherd, the DL prospect who wrecked small-school doubts". draftwire.usatoday.com. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
- ^ "Canadian Nathan Shepherd rockets up draft boards with strong performance at NFL combine". 3downnation.com. March 5, 2018. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
- ^ "NFL draft guru Mike Mayock impressed with Canadian Nathan Shepherd". barrietoday.com. April 20, 2018. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
- ^ Risdon, Jeff (March 26, 2018). "Texans to have private workout with Fort Hays State DT Nathan Shepherd". texanswire.usatoday.com. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
- ^ "Nathan Shepherd, DS #6 DT, Fort Hays State". draftscout.com. Retrieved August 24, 2018.
- ^ "Nathan Shepherd Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. March 1, 2018. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
- ^ "Fort Hays State DT Nathan Shepherd : 2018 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved May 12, 2018.
- ^ "2018 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
- ^ "Nathan Shepherd selected by Jets with 72nd pick in 2018 NFL Draft". GangGreenNation.com. April 27, 2018. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
- ^ "The Football Database: Fort Hays State". FootballDB.com. Retrieved August 24, 2018.
- ^ "Spotrac.com: Nathan Shepherd contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
- ^ "Jets DT Shepherd banned 6, admits to using PED". ESPN.com. September 10, 2019. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
- ^ Greenberg, Ethan (November 1, 2019). "DL Nathan Shepherd Returns to Roster, Jets Place Trenton Cannon on IR". NewYorkJets.com. Archived from the original on September 20, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
- ^ Greenberg, Ethan (March 16, 2022). "Jets Re-Sign DL Nathan Shepherd". NewYorkJets.com.
- ^ "New Orleans Saints agree to terms with defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd". NewOrleansSaints.com. March 17, 2023.
External links
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