Will Shields – The Immovable Force

Born on September 15, 1971, in Fort Riley, Kansas, Will Shields built a legendary career marked by consistency, durability, and quiet dominance.

College Career

Will Shields’s journey to football greatness began at the University of Nebraska, where he played for the legendary Cornhuskers. From 1989 to 1992, he was a key component of one of the nation’s most dominant rushing offenses. Shields earned First-Team All-American honors in 1991 and 1992, and his stellar play was recognized with the Outland Trophy in 1992, an award given to the nation’s top interior lineman. He became a consensus All-American in 1992 and was a finalist for the Lombardi Award. His college career set the stage for a seamless transition to the professional ranks, where his work ethic and talent would truly shine.

Road to the Pro Game

The Kansas City Chiefs selected Shields in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. Despite a career at Nebraska, where he was a standout guard, some teams were hesitant due to his size. However, the Chiefs saw his potential. Shields quickly proved to be one of the biggest steals in draft history, stepping into the starting lineup and never looking back. He spent his entire 14-year career with the Chiefs, an incredible feat of loyalty and consistency in the modern NFL.

Football Legacy

Will Shields’s legacy is defined by his ironclad durability and his unparalleled consistency. He started an astonishing 224 consecutive games for the Chiefs, a franchise record that stands as one of the longest streaks in NFL history. He was a perennial Pro Bowl selection and a leader on an offense that consistently ranked among the league’s best. Shields was the epitome of an offensive lineman—rarely in the spotlight but essential to his team’s success. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015, solidifying his place among the game’s all-time greats. His legacy is a testament to the fact that true greatness isn’t always about flash but about showing up and dominating, day in and day out.

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

• Career Stats: Started 224 consecutive games
• Accolades & Awards:
  • Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2015)
  • College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2015)
  • 12x Pro Bowl Selection (1995-2006)
  • 3x First-Team All-Pro (1999, 2002, 2003)
  • 4x Second-Team All-Pro (1995, 1996, 1998, 2000)
  • 1992 Outland Trophy Winner
  • 2x Unanimous All-American (1991, 1992)
  • Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2003)