Russell Shepard: NFL Special Teams Standout Now Runs A Booming Waste Management Business
“LSU has a deep tradition of performing at a top tier level, whether you’re on a football field or in a classroom. It was a very competitive school for me, in both of those worlds. It taught me how to be on one of the better football teams and that’s why when I transitioned to the NFL, I was able to have a successful career, even after going undrafted. After being in the classroom and still having that competitive feel, once I transitioned from professional sports, it made it a lot easier because I was well-equipped as far as things I learned from being a student at a program like that.” -Russell Shepard
Russell Shepard, a native of Harris County, Texas, was a multi-threat player as a four-year letter winner for the Tigers from 2009-2012, playing quarterback, wide receiver, and running back for LSU in his time here. In his freshman year, Russell played a total of 90 offensive snaps—40 at running back, 28 at quarterback and 22 at wide receiver. He ranked third on the team with 277 rushing yards and two touchdowns, with one of those touchdowns being a 69-yard run in a win over Auburn. As a sophomore, he played in 13 games with nine starts and ranked second on the team in receiving and fourth in rushing yards. In Russell’s final two seasons, he totaled 24 games played with five starts. In 2012, his final season, he rushed a career-high eight times against Mississippi State and posted a career-high 78-yard touchdown run against Towson. Off the field, Russell was one of the most active in the community, spending time in the prison systems around Louisiana, working with the Oliver Foundation (a childhood obesity organization) and as a part of the Big Brother program at Glen Oaks. He graduated in December of 2012 with a degree in General Studies.
And then:
Following his playing career at LSU, Russell signed as an undrafted free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013. One day after being released by the Eagles, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers claimed Russell off waivers. He led the Bucs in special team tackles in 2014 and was named Special Teams Captain for the 2015 season and again in 2016. In 2017, Russell signed a three-year contract with the Carolina Panthers and finished that season with 17 receptions for 202 yards and one touchdown. After being released by the Panthers in 2018, he signed with the New York Giants, where he was able to play with fellow LSU football alumnus Odell Beckham Jr. In week 13 against the Chicago Bears, Russell caught a touchdown pass from Beckham. In April of 2019, Russell re-signed with the Giants but was placed on injured reserve in September with a foot sprain. He announced his retirement from the NFL in September of 2020.
And now:
In 2014, Russell started a trucking business but in order to focus on continuing a career in the NFL, he passed the controls to his parents. By 2020, he was starting a new business venture – Shep Boys Waste Management. Although one might think that 2020 wasn’t an ideal time to start a new business, Russell was able to jump in during a dire time. His company supplies portable toilets, hand wash stations, and holding tanks to construction sites and private events. They now handle 3,000 gallons of waste a week. Russell takes a hands-on approach to his business, being part of every aspect of the company. His days start at 5 a.m. and don’t end many nights until after 8… and that’s six days a week. Russell credits LSU with helping him develop discipline which ultimately enabled him to have success in the NFL and now as a thriving entrepreneur.