Will Sheppard went undrafted in 2025, but his story didn’t end there. The former Colorado receiver just found a home with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent (UDFA), and there’s one man who deserves credit for making it all possible.
Not only did Deion Sanders coach Sheppard for one season in Boulder, but he also gave him something every player needs: unshakeable belief.
How Did Deion Sanders Transform Will Sheppard’s NFL Dreams?
Former Colorado WR Will Sheppard never heard his name called on draft night. However, this July, the 6’3″ receiver landed a shot with the Green Bay Packers. According to analyst Kevin Borba, Buffaloes HC Deion Sanders is the one to thank for that breakthrough.
“I think Deion Sanders instilled that like, ‘Hey, I believe in you no matter what, so please go out there and make some plays for us,'” Borba said. That belief became the foundation Sheppard needed to keep pushing forward.
The transformation began when Sheppard transferred from Vanderbilt to Colorado. Borba points to specific moments that showcased Sheppard’s growth: the one-handed snag against Arizona, the full-extension diving grab against UCF, and his breakout performance against Utah.
In that Utah game, Sheppard hauled in five catches for 71 yards and two touchdowns. But as Borba explains, the journey to that moment started with adversity. After a quiet night against Baylor where Sheppard dropped a crucial Hail Mary, everything changed. From that point forward, “He was just a really consistent guy,” Borba noted.
His eight receptions against Texas Tech proved that consistency wasn’t a fluke. When the Packers came calling, it represented the culmination of effort, production, and Sanders’ coaching philosophy working together.
What Makes Sheppard’s Path to Green Bay So Remarkable?
Sheppard’s journey has been anything but straightforward. After four productive years at Vanderbilt, where he totaled over 2,000 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns, he moved to Colorado as one of the top-rated transfers in the portal.
The receiver brought leadership and experience to a Colorado receiving corps loaded with talent. Despite competing with those stars, Sheppard still produced 48 catches for 621 yards and six touchdowns in 2024.
Packers sign Shedeur Sanders’ second favorite WR, Will Sheppard
Competition continues to be a theme in the Packers receiver room, and signing the Colorado pass catcher boosts it even more. Cream always rises to the top pic.twitter.com/f9BHEG5YYN
— IKE Packers Podcast (@IKE_Packers) July 21, 2025
The post-draft process tested Sheppard’s resilience. He initially signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but was released following a failed physical. A tryout with the Denver Broncos during minicamp didn’t result in a contract. But just when his NFL dreams seemed to be slipping away, Green Bay offered him an opportunity.
Now Sheppard joins a Packers receiving room that’s welcoming several new faces. Rookie first-rounder Matthew Golden will command attention, but Sheppard brings his own compelling resume. With 55 college games under his belt and nearly 2,700 receiving yards, he’s proven he can deliver in crucial moments.
EDITOR’S PICK: Why Isn’t Will Sheppard at Buccaneers’ Rookie Minicamp? Here’s Why Tampa Bay Didn’t Sign the Colorado WR After All
“I like Will Sheppard,” Borba said. “I think he’s going to figure it out… a really solid pro.”
As training camp begins, Sheppard faces the challenge of earning his place on the roster. Meanwhile, Sanders continues building his program in Boulder, preparing for Colorado’s season opener against Georgia Tech on August 29.
Still, his influence on players like Sheppard extends far beyond their time in Colorado, proving that sometimes the most valuable thing a coach can give a player is simply believing in them when others don’t.
