Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard
November 29, 2017
Q: Can you talk about the migraines you have been getting?
A: It’s just kind of crazy how it came about. A few days after the San Francisco game, it just kind of hit me hard and then I tried practicing all week with it without any contact and I just had to make the decision not to go in during the [Kansas City] game. But I’ve never really been through something like that.
Q: You’ve never gotten migraines before this?
A: I mean, when I was younger I dealt with it a lot. But it kind of stopped after a while and then, I don’t know, that one [recently] just hit me real hard. And the crazy thing was, it was lasting for so many days. I just didn’t know what was going on. I did not know if it was migraines, or what, but I wasn’t feeling too good at all.
Q: Did you ever think you would be in the locker room when Eli Manning was not the starting quarterback?
A: I didn’t know what was going to happen, but you’ve just got to be prepared for anything. This is the NFL and stuff happens, changes happen all the time, so you’ve just got to be ready for them and keep going.
Q: How strange was it to see Manning running the scout team offense?
A: That was pretty strange. Seeing him with the first group since I’ve gotten here, I’m used to seeing [Davis] Webb out there competing with Geno [Smith], throwing completions. To see him out there, it was a little different, but like I said, you’ve got to kind of focus on the first team reps and roll with Geno.
Q: What have you seen from Manning and how he’s handled this situation?
A: Man, the best way he can handle it. Eli’s a class act. He’s not walking around here pouting about anything. He’s kind of embraced that role, being a scout team [quarterback], he’s out there throwing dimes against the defense. So, he’s handling it the best way that I think a person could.
Q: What has your relationship with Manning been like since you’ve gotten here?
A: He’s been a huge mentor for me. There’s no better mentor than him. He’s a two-time Super Bowl champion and has been in the league for a long time, he definitely knows what he sees and is one of the smartest players I’ve ever played with. So, I’m still going to him, no matter what the situation is, I’m still going to go to him for advice.
Q: What do you think Geno Smith can bring to the offense?
A: I think he’ll keep drives alive. When the play breaks down, he’s definitely going to be a dual-threat guy. He can extend plays and you know a spiral is coming at you when it’s coming.
Q: What was your initial reaction when you heard that Smith would start this week?
A: I was kind of shocked at first, not going to lie, but then you just let it settle in and you think about it and got to get with Geno and get on the same page. So, that was my next thought after I was a little bit shocked.
Q: Has Manning addressed you guys at all?
A: No. Coach [McAdoo] did and that was that.
Q: What was the reaction of some of the other players about the quarterback situation? Were other players shocked too?
A: Yeah, I’m sure they were. I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to every single guy about it, but the guys that I’ve talked to – I mean, everybody’s shocked. This guy’s done a lot for this franchise, so of course you’re going to be shocked.
Q: Did practice have a different feel today?
A: I mean, yeah, but it wasn’t a bad feel at all. It was just different. I mean, you’re used to having 10 out there taking snaps and now you don’t.
2. Not to pre-empt the perogatives of the new GM, but why not suggest to Eli after his playing days are over the NYG would really appreciate it if he would consider a role as a special offensive assistant. I am assuming he would prefer an on-field role, but of course front office offers other opportunities. We REALLY want you to be a Giant for life.