Shamar Stephen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Shamar Stephen

Stephen with the Vikings in 2015
No. 93, 98, 99
Position:	Defensive end
Personal information
Born:	(1991-02-25) February 25, 1991 (age 34) Brookville, New York, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:	309 lb (140 kg)
Career information
High school:	Long Island Lutheran (Brookville, New York)
College:	UConn
NFL Draft:	2014 / Round: 7 / Pick: 220
Career history
Minnesota Vikings (2014–2017) Seattle Seahawks (2018) Minnesota Vikings (2019–2020) Denver Broncos (2021)
Career highlights and awards
Second-team All-AAC (2013)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 207 Sacks: 4.5 Forced fumbles: 1 Fumble recoveries: 3
Player stats at PFR

Shamar Irvin Stephen (born February 25, 1991) is an American former professional football player. He played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). Shamar played college football for the UConn Huskies. He was chosen by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2014 NFL draft. He also played for the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos.

Early Life and High School Sports

Shamar Stephen grew up in Brookville, New York. He went to Long Island Lutheran Middle and High School. There, he was a talented athlete in two sports: football and basketball.

Football Achievements in High School

As a sophomore, Shamar played both offense and defense. He made 9 tackles and had one sack. He also ran for 91 yards and scored a touchdown. In his junior year, he started every game as a defensive tackle. He recorded 41 tackles and 7 sacks. During his senior year, he was the team captain. He earned All-American Lutheran Team honors. He finished with 57 tackles and 12 sacks. He also blocked 2 kicks, helping his team get a 7–2 record.

Basketball in High School

In basketball, Shamar was teammates with Detroit Pistons player Tobias Harris. This was during his sophomore year.

College Football Career

Shamar Stephen played college football for the Connecticut Huskies. He played from 2009 to 2013.

Key Moments at UConn

Before his senior season, Shamar was named a team captain. After that season, he also won the team MVP award. In his senior year, he was chosen for the All-American Athletic Conference Second Team. After his time at Connecticut, Shamar was selected to play in the 2014 Senior Bowl.

College Statistics Overview

Here's a look at Shamar Stephen's college football statistics:

Professional Football Career

Shamar Stephen was drafted into the NFL in 2014. He played for several teams during his professional career.

Joining the Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings picked Shamar Stephen in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL draft. He was the 220th player chosen overall. He was the first player from the University of Connecticut drafted by the Vikings since 1971.

2014 Season Highlights

Shamar had a strong first year with the Vikings. He played in all 16 regular season games. He was the only rookie on the Vikings to do so. He started three games. His first professional game was against the St. Louis Rams on September 7, 2014. He made two tackles in that game. In a game against the Panthers, he had a career-best 10 tackles. He made his first start against the Green Bay Packers.

2015 Season and Injury

In his second season, Shamar played in the first five games. In Week 2, he recovered his first career fumble against the Detroit Lions. This happened after a fumble forced by safety Harrison Smith. The next week, he had two tackles. On October 18, 2015, Shamar got a serious toe injury. This happened during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The injury ended his season, and he was placed on injured reserve.

2016 and 2017 Seasons

In 2016, Shamar Stephen started all 16 games for the Vikings. He recorded a career-high 39 tackles that year. In 2017, he played in 15 games but mostly as a reserve player. He started only one game and made 28 tackles.

Time with the Seattle Seahawks

Stephen with the Seahawks in 2018

On March 24, 2018, Shamar Stephen signed a contract with the Seattle Seahawks. He played one season with them.

Returning to the Minnesota Vikings

On March 13, 2019, Shamar Stephen went back to the Vikings. He signed a three-year contract. In Week 4 against the Chicago Bears, he recorded his first sack since returning to the Vikings. This was on quarterback Chase Daniel. The Vikings released him on March 16, 2021.

Playing for the Denver Broncos

Shamar Stephen signed a one-year contract with the Denver Broncos on April 8, 2021. He played one season with them before ending his professional career.

NFL Career Statistics

Here are Shamar Stephen's overall NFL statistics: