Former Packers CB Sam Shields is ready for a return to football
Former Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields is preparing for an attempted return to the NFL.
In an interview with Michael Cohen of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Shields said he feels “normal” after battling on-going symptoms of repeated concussions and confirmed he’s ready to make a comeback to football.
“You’re going to see the (number) 37 you remembered,” Shields said. “Everything you seen in Green Bay, you’re going to see that wherever I’m at.”
Shields suffered a concussion during Week 1 of the 2016 season in Jacksonville and missed the rest of the year. The Packers released him soon after the regular season concluded, a move many believed would represent the end of Shields’ football career.
The Pro Bowl cornerback admitted he dealt with never-ending headaches for many months after sustaining his latest concussion.
Now, however, he’s clear of mind and hoping a team will take a chance on bringing him back. He’s confident it will happen.
“Oh yeah, most definitely, man,” Shields said when asked about an NFL team signing him. “I think they will because I can still run. I’ve still got that in me. I think somebody will want that.”
An undrafted free agent from Miami, Shields signed with the Packers before the 2010 season and instantly became a hit. He intercepted two passes in the regular season and two more in the NFC title game in Chicago, helping the Packers get to and win a Super Bowl as a rookie. He intercepted 18 passes during his first six NFL seasons and made the Pro Bowl for the first time in 2014. The Packers re-signed him to a four-year, $39 million deal after the 2014 season.
It’s unknown if the Packers would have any interest in a reunion. Shields sounded optimistic about returning to Green Bay.
“That I really don’t know. But shoot, as I see on my social media, man, they still love me,” Shields said. “That’s always been there, especially with the Packers since I’ve been there. It’s always been love. Not just me, but anybody. That’s just the love we’ve got from the fans. But yeah, I think they would (bring me back).”
