Sterling Shepard expects Odell Beckham Jr. to win Comeback Player of Year Award
Giants wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard dance during training camp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, N.J, on Aug. 2, 2018.. Credit: Brad Penner
Two years ago Odell Beckham Jr. set the bar for Sterling Shepard before he’d even caught a pass in the NFL. Beckham proclaimed that Shepard would win the Offensive Rookie of the Year.
He didn't. But now Shepard has a chance to do something similar to Beckham, and he is taking advantage of it.
Shepard told Newsday he’s expecting Beckham to win this year’s Comeback Player of the Year Award.
“Of course,” Shepard said. “Absolutely.”
That’s an honor that no one really wants to be considered for, since it pretty much requires a devastating previous season. Beckham certainly qualifies after missing most of 2017 with a fractured ankle that required surgery in October.
“You look at the road that those guys who have won it go through, it’s tough, man,” Shepard said. “He came back way faster than what people expected. It’s been a long road. I remember going to the hospital and seeing him in the hospital bed on all that medicine. I remember those days like it was yesterday. And then you see where he is now, you can’t help but be happy for him and pull for him all the way.”
Beckham’s competition for the Comeback award likely will include some big names capable of putting up big seasons. Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is returning from a shoulder injury that appeared to be career-threatening. Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz and Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson both are coming off torn ACLs. Cardinals running back David Johnson missed most of last season with a fractured wrist. Texans DE J.J. Watt has had two straight seasons end prematurely with injuries. And depending on how the Jets’ quarterback situation plays out, Teddy Bridgewater even could be a factor.
Still, Shepard said he thinks Beckham will top them all.
“I’m always pulling for him no matter what,” he said. “That’s my brother. I love him like a brother. I’m rooting for him all the way.”
Beckham on Monday signed a five-year extension that could be worth $95 million. Shepard said he’s been impressed by the way Beckham has looked in practices.
“He’s a grinder,” Shepard told Newsday on Monday. “He’s gonna work hard every single day. He’s gonna bring the intensity at practice. If something doesn’t go his way he’s gonna do it again until he gets it right and that’s the type of guy you want to have on the field with you.”
Of course, there are other awards beyond Comeback Player of the Year. Although wide receivers are hard-pressed to be considered for things like Offensive Player of the Year or even Most Valuable Player, if there is any receiver who has the chance to enter that conversation, it might be Beckham.
“The man can do anything,” Shepard said. “He’s got God’s hand on him. I tell him that all the time. He can do pretty much anything.”
Tom Rock began covering sports for Newsday in 1996 and became its NFL columnist in 2022. He previously was Newsday's Giants beat writer beginning in 2008.
