It was a simple reminder: We need you.
Eli Manning saw his rookie receiver in the weight room Tuesday and wanted to make sure Sterling Shepard was aware of his importance. So the two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback apologized to the 23-year-old wideout with 11 NFL games under his belt for not getting him the ball in Sunday’s 27-13 victory over the Browns.
“You’re a big part of the offense,” Manning said. “We need to get you involved.”
Shepard told Manning an apology wasn’t needed, but it made an impact nevertheless.
“He believes in me,” Shepard said, “so that’s a good feeling.