NEW YORK — Over the last year, the one constant in Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard’s life has been change.
"It’s a big change from last year," Sterling told Sporting News before an autograph signing in Times Square on Thursday. "I went from being a single man with no kids to having a wife and a baby on the way. It’s a total 180, but it’s a change for the better. I love what my life is right now."
The smile never left Shepard’s face Thursday as fans flocked to the 25-year-old while he toured the NFL Experience, stopping to take selfies and signing autographs. Along the way, he stopped by the Quarterback Challenge station to catch some passes from kids. That, in particular, resonated with Shepard since he and his wife, Chanel Iman, are expecting a child.
"I'm just looking forward to being a father," he said. "I get to see guys like Snacks (Damon Harrison) and JPP (Jason Pierre-Paul) have their kids on the sideline. It’s always cool seeing and interacting with them, and I'm looking forward to that."
Right on target! 🏈🎯 #NFLX @sterl_shep3 pic.twitter.com/PQL69CREJn
— NFL Experience (@NFLExperience) July 19, 2018
Minutes later, the Giants wideout greeted a line of at least a few hundred people that wrapped throughout the fourth floor. Coming from a football family prepared him for the responsibility. Shepard’s father Derrick played in the NFL. His uncles, Darrell and Woodie, are fellow Oklahoma Sooners.
"It's a lot of fun," Shepard said. "I’m honored to be in this position. Growing up, I saw a lot of guys getting into this position and this is where I always wanted to be. (This is my) third year in the NFL. I’m here and I still feel like I have a lot of work (to do) and lot of different places I want to be in the next few years."
As Shepard handles new phases in his personal life, his professional life already has endured significant changes. The Giants fired coach Ben McAdoo in December amid one of the worst seasons in team history, adding to the issues surrounding quarterback Eli Manning and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
New York hired Minnesota offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur to be the 18th head coach in franchise history. Shepard said the team is pleased with the early indications.
"It’s been great. The team atmosphere has changed a lot, and I think it’s changed for the better,” Shepard said. “We have a new coach and new system in and everybody is trying to get that down right now.
"We’re rallying around coach right now; he’s a coach that just came in, so he’s trying to find his way around and feel everybody out. We’re doing the same with him and putting our trust in his hands pretty much."
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While stability on the sideline is vital, the talk of New York has been running back Saquon Barkley, the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. The Penn State product and Bronx, New York, native has garnered praise for his potential impact on the team.
Beyond Barkley’s on-field tools, his physique has received just as much attention. Manning recently noted that he can’t help but admire the size of Barkley’s calves.
Shepard seconded that notion.
"You can’t help it, he puts on XL shorts and it looks like he’s wearing a small," Shepard quipped. “It doesn’t really matter what he has on, his legs just pop out. You can’t help but look at them. I agree with Eli."
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Shepard also is excited about what the Giants can accomplish with a healthy Beckham and with Manning cemented as the starting QB. Beckham played in just four games last season before he was injured, and Manning toward the end of the year was benched by McAdoo prior to the coach's dismissal.
Shepard missed a few games due to serious migraines. He said he anticipates challenges this year, but he knows the team will work to avoid another 3-13 season.
"I don’t want to have a season like we had last year," Shepard said. "We’re going to do whatever is necessary to not have that happen again."