Former University of Nebraska and Kansas City Chiefs standout offensive guard Will Shields is the recipient of the Walter Camp Football Foundation’s 2010 “Man of the Year” award.
Shields joins a distinguished list of former “Man of the Year” winners, including Roger Staubach (Navy), Gale Sayers (Kansas), Dick Butkus (Illinois), Morten Andersen (Michigan State) and last year’s recipient John Elway (Stanford).
The Walter Camp “Man of the Year” award honors an individual who has been closely associated with the game of football as a player, coach or close attendant to the game. He must have attained a measure of success and been a leader in his chosen profession. He must have contributed to the public service for the benefit of his community, country and his fellow man. He must have an impeccable reputation for integrity and must be dedicated to our American Heritage and the philosophy of Walter Camp.
“Will Shields’ remarkable longevity and success on the football field is quite impressive, but his care and devotion for others clearly symbolizes the life of Walter Camp and makes him an admirable recipient of the Man of the Year Award,” said Foundation president Alphonse Paolillo, Jr.
A native of Lawton, Oklahoma, Shields played collegiately at the University of Nebraska and earned All-Big Eight honors three times and was named to the Walter Camp All-American team in 1992. He was also recognized as the Outland Trophy winner. In 1999, Shields was selected to the Walter Camp All-Century Team.
Shields was selected by the Chiefs in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. After not being in the starting lineup in his first professional contest, he proceeded to start 231 consecutive games (including playoffs) over 14 seasons. He went to the Pro Bowl 12 times and was a nine-time All-Pro selection. Shields was named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. Shields retired following the 2006 season.
Shields has been recognized for his community involvement. In 2003, he was honored as the Walter Payton “Man of the Year.” In addition, Shields and his wife Senia established The “Will to Succeed” Foundation,” a charitable organization organized to guide, inspire and improve the lives of abused and neglected women and children. Shields and Senia currently reside in Overland Park, Kansas with their three children (Sanayika, Shavon and Soloman).
