Sam Shields: Undrafted to Potential Super Bowl Star

Sam Shields 2010 Bowman

Over the last year Sam Shields has transformed himself from an afterthought in the NFL draft to being the starting nickleback for the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV and a budding star in the league. After going undrafted in the 2010 NFL Draft, Sam Shields signed with the Packers after an unremarkable collegiate career at the University of Miami.

Going into Packers training camp Shields didn’t figure into the Packers’ plan, but after an interception on the first day of training camp and impressing coaches throughout training camp he earned a spot on the team. He made his presence known on an acrobatic week 10 interception while guarding the Cowboys Miles Austin, one of the elite receivers in the NFL. Shields also proved to be a useful kick returner for the Packers averaging a solid 21.5 yards per return. He played at a respectable level during the season but he has reached a new level of play in the playoffs.

In the first two playoff games Shields played a vital role in containing the Eagles and Falcons explosive group of wide receivers. Shields then burst onto the national stage in the NFC championship game recording a pair of interceptions and his first career sack. His two interceptions made him the first rookie in NFL history to do so in a league championship game.

Looking ahead to the Super Bowl Shields is going to be a major factor in containing the high powered Steelers offense. The Packers will likely use Shields’ speed and athleticism to match up with Pittsburgh's big play receiving core including Mike Wallace who led the league in receptions of 40 or more yards. Ben Roethlisberger’s ability to extend plays is going to test the Packers secondary and Shields’ speed will be a great asset to help cover the recievers downfield.

Former Packer Leroy Butler claims that Shields is a key to their defense “If Shields is covering well, that defense is impenetrable,” Butler remarked. Shields is primed to be a difference maker in the Super Bowl and has one last chance to show all the teams what they passed on during the draft.