Nathan Shepherd

Nathan Shepherd's Biography

Nathan Daniel Shepherd, born October 9, 1993, bears the identity of a professional football defensive tackle. Born and raised in the serene province of Ontario, Canada, Shepherd’s journey to the National Football League (NFL) is a testament to his willpower, resilience, and natural athletic prowess. Currently, he holds a commanding presence on the New Orleans Saints, but the road to this point was marked by numerous trials and tribulations.

Raised in Ajax, Ontario, Shepherd’s passion for football was nurtured in the youthful leagues provided by the Ajax/Pickering Dolphins Football Club. His spirited performances and obvious talent made him a force to reckon with on the football field at a tender age. He would later carry this love and dedication for the sport to Simon Fraser University, where his college football career began.

Though Shepherd redshirted his first year at Simon Fraser University, his second year saw him rise to the fore as a dominant defensive end. However, his academic journey was interrupted as financial distress forced him to leave the university after two years. Proving his mettle yet again, Shepherd took on various jobs to make ends meet, including work in a plant nursery, electrical construction, and a cardboard box factory.

The resilient athlete found an opportunity to relight his football career at Fort Hays State University. They recognized Shepherd’s talent and extended a hand of relationship. Overflowing with gratitude, Shepherd quickly found a way to pay his first semester’s tuition before being placed on an athletic scholarship. This turn of events would usher him into the spotlight as he gained recognition as the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Defensive Player of the Year in his 2017 season.

An invitation to the Senior Bowl would mark a significant milestone on Shepherd’s path to his professional career.‌ He became the first player from Fort Hays State to grace this prestigious college football event. Unfortunately, a broken hand during Senior Bowl practice meant that he was unable to display his full potential in the main event.

Despite this setback, Shepherd’s reputation preceded him. Mike Mayock, a regarded commentator, had already stated, “NFL body, NFL movement skills…” regarding Shepherd. Shepherd had become renowned for his physical strength and tactical skills on the football field. Attending the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Shepherd continued to draw attention despite not participating in the bench press owing to his hand fracture.

The journey towards the NFL was in full gear, and Shepherd began attracting interest from various quarters of the league. Scouts from 16 NFL teams attended Shepherd’s pro day at Fort Hays State. His performances there, coupled with private workouts and meetings for several teams—including the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, and Houston Texans— saw his draft prospect rise significantly. Shepherd was projected to be a second or third-round pick in the NFL draft.

Finally, in the 2018 NFL draft, the New York Jets selected Shepherd in the third round. This marked a historic moment as Shepherd became only the third player in the history of Fort Hays State to be drafted into the NFL. This monumental achievement was lauded with a four-year contract worth $3.87 million.

However, Shepherd’s career trajectory took an unexpected turn in 2019, when he was suspended for six games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy. His decision to use PEDs stemmed from health issues, including a herniated disc in his back and a strenuous sports hernia surgery. The pressure to quickly recover and return to the field resulted in this indiscretion. His ban was lifted at the end of October in the same year.

In more recent years, Shepherd cemented his place in the NFL, and after a one-year extension with the Jets in March 2022, he signed an impressive three-year contract with the New Orleans Saints in March 2023. This contract worth $15 million showcased the journey of a young boy from Ajax, Ontario, to one of the top defensive tackles in the National Football League.

Considering his past experiences and demonstrations of tenacity and adaptability, the future promises even greater achievements for Nathan Daniel Shepherd. His story then is not only one of athletic talent but also one of determination and resilience, the epitome of a contemporary sporting hero.