WR Darius Slayton reveals 'heartbeat' of the Giants

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton named fellow receiver Sterling Shepard as one of the club's most important figures heading into the 2023 NFL season. 

"Shep is the type of person who’s the heartbeat of the team," Slayton recently told Mark Cannizzaro of the New York Post. "He’s a glue guy — good energy, good spirit, a guy you want to have around, keeps things light, but also is a pro. He practices as hard as anybody, and he’s a hell of a player as well. His role is definitely tremendous for us."

Shepard has played only for the Giants since he first joined the club as a second-round pick during the 2016 NFL Draft. However, injuries have limited him to just 10 games over the past two seasons, and the torn ACL in his left knee he suffered last September threatened his Giants tenure and his pro career. 

While Shepard couldn't contribute to the cause as an active player, he remained around the Giants and served as a mentor for a team that surprised many by making the playoffs and earning a road postseason win. 

"It says a lot about him as a person that he was willing to spend that much time with us in the locker room when he really didn’t have to," Slayton added about Shepard. "He was playing the music, joking, keeping people’s spirits up, and he has a wealth of knowledge to share. He’s just a great resource. I’m grateful to still have him here." 

The Giants activated Shepard from the physically unable to perform list early into training camp, and the 30-year-old has since made it known that his "ultimate goal is to put a (championship) banner up here." It sounds like he would've pursued a different job with the organization had he not signed a one-year contract with the club in March that reportedly carries zero financial guarantees. 

"I don’t want to play anywhere else," Shepard told Cannizzaro. "I want to retire a Giant. So yeah, I don’t think I would go play anywhere else...Fortunately, I never had to sit down and make that decision. I hope I’m never forced to make that decision. I’ve given this place everything I have every time I step on that field."