Career Timeline of Kelvin Sheppard: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 21, 2025

How Kelvin Sheppard built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kelvin Sheppard is an American football coach and former NFL linebacker. He is currently the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Before coaching, Sheppard played eight seasons in the NFL for multiple teams including the Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, and the Detroit Lions. He played college football at LSU before being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: Drafted by Buffalo Bills

In 2011, Kelvin Sheppard was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the third round (68th overall) of the NFL draft.

April 29, 2013: Traded to the Indianapolis Colts

On April 29, 2013, Kelvin Sheppard was traded to the Indianapolis Colts for Jerry Hughes.

August 30, 2014: Released by the Colts

On August 30, 2014, Kelvin Sheppard was released by the Indianapolis Colts.

September 8, 2014: Signed with the Miami Dolphins

On September 8, 2014, Kelvin Sheppard signed with the Miami Dolphins.

2015: Career-High Tackles

In 2015, Kelvin Sheppard recorded a career-high 105 tackles while playing for the Miami Dolphins.

April 11, 2016: Signed with the New York Giants

On April 11, 2016, Kelvin Sheppard signed with the New York Giants.

August 18, 2017: Signed with the Chicago Bears

On August 18, 2017, Kelvin Sheppard signed with the Chicago Bears.

September 2, 2017: Released by the Chicago Bears

On September 2, 2017, Kelvin Sheppard was released by the Chicago Bears.

November 7, 2017: Signed with the New York Giants

On November 7, 2017, Kelvin Sheppard signed with the New York Giants again.

December 31, 2017: First Career Interceptions

On December 31, 2017, Kelvin Sheppard recorded his first and second career interceptions during Week 17 against the Washington Redskins, intercepting quarterback Kirk Cousins twice.

October 31, 2018: Signed by the Detroit Lions

On October 31, 2018, Kelvin Sheppard was signed by the Detroit Lions.

March 2020: Named director of player development at LSU

In March 2020, Kelvin Sheppard was named director of player development at Louisiana State University (LSU).

2020: Director of player development at LSU

In 2020, after retiring as a player, Kelvin Sheppard began his coaching career as the director of player development at Louisiana State University (LSU).