Former Colorado WR Will Sheppard finally signs with NFL team after failed physical and tryout

Will Sheppard’s NFL journey didn’t begin how anyone expected—but it’s far from over.

After going undrafted this spring, the former Colorado wide receiver failed a physical with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That setback could’ve derailed him. It didn’t. Instead, he kept grinding, took a tryout with the Denver Broncos, and eventually has landed a deal with the Green Bay Packers.

At 6-foot-3, Sheppard brought SEC polish to Boulder when he transferred from Vanderbilt last year. The Buffs desperately needed his veteran experience in a talented room.

His final stat line in black and gold was 48 catches, 621 yards, and 6 touchdowns. He was solid and quietly productive.

Back at Vanderbilt, Sheppard was a touchdown machine. He left the SEC with 21 career scores, over 2,000 receiving yards, and All-Conference recognition in 2022.

The Packers are giving Sheppard a real opportunity to carve out a spot in a young, fast-developing wide receiver room. Jordan Love needs dependable weapons, and Green Bay has made a habit of turning under-the-radar wideouts into real contributors.

Sheppard fits that mold.

If he can stay healthy, he has a legitimate shot at making the 53-man roster or at least landing on the practice squad.

His red-zone ability alone gives him value in situational packages, and since he played special teams as a freshman at Vandy, that versatility will matter in Green Bay.

It's one more player from the 2024 Buffs team getting a crack at the NFL. Sheppard’s signing is a reminder of just how deep CU’s receiver room really was.

Boulder didn’t get more than one year with Will Sheppard, but he brought production and leadership. Something Green Bay could really lean on.

He’s not the biggest name or the fastest guy. But his talent is undeniable.

Good luck, Will.

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