Giants Wide Receiver Makes Surprising Retirement Comments

Sterling Shepard was the longest-tenured New York Giant since being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Things are seemingly headed toward a divorce between New York and Shepard.

The Oklahoma product issued a farewell to the Giants in a heartfelt Instagram post following the end of the regular season. Shepard said he's "Forever grateful to the New York Giants organization".

The 30-year-old will be able to test the open market but it's not a lock that will return to field. Shepard was a guest on The Carton Show on FS1 this week and hinted at retirement.

Sterling Shepard Retirement Comments

“You’re going to make me say that on here? I just feel like it’s too early for me to answer that right now. You know what I mean? But it’s gotta be a perfect situation for me to come back to the game to be honest,” Shepard said.

“You know what, it’s been a rough couple of battles with us and the Eagles so, I definitely, if this is the end of my career, what a way to go out.”

Shepard has dealt with a few serious injuries over his eight seasons in the NFL. On Dec. 19, 2021, against the Dallas Cowboys, the Oklahoma native suffered a torn Achilles. He rehabbed his way back just to suffer another grueling injury the year after. On Sept. 26, 2022, Shepard sustained a torn ACL, which happened against the Dallas Cowboys once again.

These injuries can affect a player's mental state tremendously. The pain and grit it takes to rehab and get back on the field can be overwhelming. Shepard may not be done playing officially but it's something that's crossed his mind for sure.

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