Shelton Quarles facts for kids
![]() Quarles in 2014
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers | |||||||||||||
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Position: | Director of football operations | ||||||||||||
Personal information | |||||||||||||
Born: | Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
September 11, 1971 ||||||||||||
Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||||||
Weight: | 225 lb (102 kg) | ||||||||||||
Career information | |||||||||||||
High school: | Whites Creek (TN) | ||||||||||||
College: | Vanderbilt (1990–1993) | ||||||||||||
Undrafted: | 1994 | ||||||||||||
Career history | |||||||||||||
As player: | |||||||||||||
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As executive: | |||||||||||||
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Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||
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Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||
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Player stats at PFR |
Shelton Eugene Quarles (born September 11, 1971) is an American football expert who works as a senior director for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He used to be a professional linebacker in the National Football League (NFL).
Shelton played college football for the Vanderbilt Commodores team. He started his professional career in 1994 with the Miami Dolphins. He also played for the BC Lions in Canada before joining the Buccaneers in 1997. He played for the Buccaneers until 2006.
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Early Life and High School Football
Shelton Quarles grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. He went to Whites Creek High School. There, he was a star player in football.
He was so good that he earned "first-team All-State honors" in his senior year. This means he was recognized as one of the best players in the entire state. During his high school career, he made 30 sacks, 505 tackles, and caught 5 interceptions. Shelton also showed he was a great student by being part of the National Honor Society. He graduated from high school in 1990.
Playing Career Highlights
Shelton Quarles played college football at Vanderbilt University. He was a standout player, earning "second-team All-Southeastern Conference" honors in his final year. After college, he tried out for the Miami Dolphins in 1994 but did not make the team.
He then played two seasons (1995-1996) for the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League. In 1997, he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Super Bowl Champion
Shelton was a key player when the Buccaneers won their first ever Super Bowl championship in the 2002 season. This was a huge moment for the team and their fans!
He also holds a special record for the Buccaneers. In 2001, he made the longest play in the team's history. He caught an interception and ran it back 98 yards for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers. Shelton left the Buccaneers in 2007.
Life After Playing: Executive Career
After his playing days, Shelton Quarles continued his career in football. On August 1, 2007, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hired him as a "pro scout." A pro scout watches other professional players to help their team find new talent.
He moved up in the Buccaneers organization over the years. In 2011, he became the Coordinator of Pro Scouting. By 2013, he was promoted to Director of Pro Scouting. In 2014, he became the Director of Football Operations.
As of 2025, Shelton Quarles holds the title of Senior Director of Football Operations for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This means he has a very important role in managing the team's operations. He also won another Super Bowl with the Buccaneers as an executive in 2021 (Super Bowl LV).
Personal Life and Community Work
Shelton Quarles is married to Damaris, and they have three children: Gabriela Nicole, Shelton Eugene Jr., and Carlos Antonio. They live in Tampa Bay, Florida.
He is also dedicated to helping others through his "IMPACT Foundation." This foundation helps children and young people who are at risk. It provides programs and events to help them build confidence, experience new things, and set goals for their lives.
After retiring from playing football, Shelton was appointed to the board of the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority by Florida Governor Charlie Crist. He served in this role until 2009.