Sterling Shepard’s Parents

Sterling Shepard, the wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was initially chosen by the New York Giants as the 40th pick in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He studied at the University of Oklahoma from 2012 to 2015. During his four seasons with the Oklahoma Sooners, he played 49 games and caught 233 receptions for 3,482 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns.

Shepard was chosen for the PFWA's All-Rookie Team. He received a four-year contract extension in 2019; however, in 2020, 2021, and 2022, he had multiple ACL and Achilles injuries. In 2023, he signed a new one-year contract with the Giants. In June 2024, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him to a one-year contract. Since joining the NFL eight years ago, he has played in 90 games, starting 74 of them, and caught 372 passes for 4,095 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Who are Sterling Shepard’s parents?

Sterling Shepard's parents are Cheri and the late Derrick Shepard, according to US Magazine. Not much is known about his mother, Cheri; however, his father, Derrick, was a former professional football wide receiver. Unfortunately, Derrick passed away in August 1999 due to a heart attack at the age of 35. The couple has three children: Sterling, Shelby, and Alyse.

Who is Sterling Shepard’s mother?

Sterling Shepard’s mother is Cheri Shepard. However, no other professional or personal information is available about her.

During Father's Day Q&A, Steve Serby, a columnist for the NY Post, interviews receiver Sterling Shepard and asks him, "When did you first realize what a burden it would be on your mom?" talking about his father's passing. He replied, "Right when it happened. … Not a good moment. You got a mother that’s trying to play both roles with her three kids and do it by herself. It was not the best moment in my life.

Who is Sterling Shepard’s father?

Sterling Shepard’s father is Derrick Shepard. He was born on January 22, 1964. He played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners and was undrafted in 1987. However, he was then signed by the Washington Redskins, the New Orleans Saints, and the Dallas Cowboys and played wide receiver.

Following Derrick’s playing career, he worked as a graduate assistant at the University of Oklahoma before transferring to the University of Wyoming to serve as the assistant coach for wide receivers. He experienced a severe heart attack while playing racquetball, which led to his death on August 4, 1999, at the age of 35 as per the University of Wyoming website. Sterling was then six years old, as per the New York Post.

On being asked by the Post’s Steve Sirby to Sterling, “How proud of you would he be today?” He said, “I’d imagine proud (laugh). I don’t think I’ve done anything that would make him not proud … maybe some little things here and there throughout life. But for the most part, I’ve accomplished all my dreams, and I think that every parent’s goal is for their children to live out their dreams, and go for their dreams with everything that they got, so that’s what I’ve done.”