Back to the New York Jets Newsfeed

'Fake it until you make it': How Jets' Nathan Shepherd defied the odds to make NFL debut at Lions

Sam Darnold has garnered all the attention. But there's another Jets rookie starting on Monday night, too.

Welcome to the NFL, Nathan Shepherd.

Unlike Darnold, 24-year-old may not set any records when he steps on the field against the Detroit Lions. But his journey to Ford Field has been no less remarkable, with stops in British Columbia, a plant nursery and a printing factory along the way.

This time last year, Shepherd was gearing up for a season with Division II Fort Hays State - not exactly a factory for NFL talent.