Will Herthie Shields is a distinguished former professional Football player who made a significant impact in the National Football League (NFL) as an offensive guard for 14 seasons. He began his journey at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he played for the Nebraska Cornhuskers from 1989 to 1992. During his college career, Shields earned consensus All-American honors and won the prestigious Outland Trophy, solidifying his reputation as one of the top offensive linemen in college Football history. His exceptional performance led to his selection to the Nebraska All-Century Football Team and the Athlon Sports Nebraska All-Time Team.
In 1993, Shields was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the NFL Draft, where he would spend his entire professional career until his retirement in 2006. Over his 14 seasons, he set a remarkable record by starting 231 consecutive games, including playoffs, which remains an NFL record. Shields was selected to the Pro Bowl 12 times and was recognized as a 3× First-Team All-Pro and a 4× Second-Team All-Pro, showcasing his consistent excellence on the field.
Shields played a crucial role in the Chiefs’ offensive line, contributing to the team’s success in rushing offense and blocking for notable players like Marcus Allen and Priest Holmes. His dedication and performance earned him a spot on the NFL 2000’s All-Decade Team, and he was honored with the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2003 for his contributions off the field.
Following his retirement, Shields continued to give back to the community by working with NFL Legends as the Community Central South Director. His legacy in Football was further cemented with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015, recognizing his outstanding career and contributions to the sport. Will Shields remains a respected figure in the Football community, inspiring future generations of athletes.