This off-season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ move to reunite Baker Mayfield and Sterling Shepard is one narrative that adds a layer of intrigue to the NFC South champions’ squad. In the world of NFL trades and transitions, it’s not just the stats and strategic fits that draw attention, but also the personal stories that shape these decisions.
General manager Jason Licht’s commitment to strengthening the team’s roster has been evident. By retaining key players like quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receiver Mike Evans, and linebacker Lavonte David, and securing All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. with a lucrative new contract, Licht has positioned the Buccaneers well for the upcoming season.
Yet, a seemingly simple text message from Mayfield to Shepard set the stage for a reunion echoing their college days at the University of Oklahoma.
Texts That Turn the Tide
Sterling Shepard’s recent signing with the Buccaneers might look like just another offseason roster tweak. However, there is more to this story than contract negotiations and team strategies. Shepard himself disclosed that the interaction started with a casual text from Mayfield, his former Oklahoma teammate.
“I got a text from my boy,” Shepard explained, “and I just thought it was ‘regular old checking in to see how I was doing’ type of text because we do that from time to time to each other.” Little did he know, this small exchange would soon lead to a significant change in his professional path.
Their connection isn’t new. The duo boasts a history that dates back to their college days at Oklahoma. Mayfield, who started his college career at Texas Tech, transferred to Oklahoma and played his first season with the Sooners in 2015—Shepard’s final year. That season, the chemistry between the two was undeniable. Mayfield completed an impressive 68.1 percent of his passes, throwing for 3,700 yards, 36 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. Almost one-third of his touchdown passes were caught by Shepard, who led the team with 86 receptions and 1,288 receiving yards.
The referee for NYG-ARI is Land Clark. His crew didn’t work wk 1.
He did not referee an ARI game last year.
His last NYG was vs DAL last year in week 3.As far as I can tell, official 72 is not on Clark’s crew this year, surely to Sterling Shepard’s delight. “It’s a route.” pic.twitter.com/Q4PYxvIYOq
— NYGfaninCLT (@clt_ny) September 13, 2023
Sterling Shepard’s Steady Rise and Reunion
Drafted by the New York Giants in 2016, Shepard quickly became a key figure for the team. Over eight seasons with the Giants, he notched 372 receptions for 4,095 yards and 23 touchdowns. His rookie season was particularly notable, as he started all 16 games and scored eight touchdowns. Now, as he joins the Buccaneers, Shepard is not just another addition to the roster but a strategic acquisition aimed at recreating some of the magic that he and Mayfield generated at Oklahoma.
Rekindling Collegiate Chemistry in Professional Play
As Sterling Shepard embarks on this new chapter with the Buccaneers, the focus will be on whether the dynamic duo can rekindle their collegiate chemistry in the professional arena. With a team that’s focused on leveraging both talent and camaraderie, the upcoming season promises to be exciting for the Buccaneers.
Shepard and Mayfield’s reunion is not just a testament to their enduring friendship but also to the intricate ways personal relationships influence professional trajectories in sports.
In conclusion, while many factors contribute to a team’s success, the personal bonds between players like Mayfield and Shepard can sometimes be the catalyst for achieving greatness on the field. As the Buccaneers gear up for the new season, all eyes will be on this duo to see if they can recreate their college magic and steer the team toward another successful run.
Source: Fansided
