Shamar Stephen
Shamar Irvin Stephen (born February 25, 1991) is a former American football defensive end who played in the NFL. He played college football at the University of Connecticut (UConn) and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL draft. He also played for the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos.
Early life and college
Stephen grew up in Brookville, New York, and went to Long Island Lutheran High School, where he played football and basketball. As a senior he was the team captain and had 57 tackles, 12 sacks, and two blocked kicks. He played college football for the UConn Huskies, becoming a team captain and MVP as a senior and earning second‑team All‑AAC honors in 2013. He also played in the Senior Bowl after college.
NFL career
Stephen was the first UConn player drafted by the Vikings since 1971. In his rookie season (2014), he played all 16 games and started 3, with a standout 10-tackle game against the Panthers in Week 13. He had his first career fumble recovery in Week 2 of 2015 and started the season strong before a toe injury in Week 6 ended his 2015 season, sending him to injured reserve. In 2016 he started all 16 games and tied a career high with 39 tackles. In 2017 he mostly came off the bench, starting one game in 15 appearances.
Stephen signed with the Seattle Seahawks in March 2018. He returned to the Vikings in March 2019 on a three-year, $12.45 million contract, recording his first sack of his second stint with the Vikings in Week 4 of 2019. He was released by the Vikings in March 2021 and then signed a one-year deal with the Denver Broncos in April 2021.
Career statistics
Over his NFL career, Stephen totaled 207 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 3 fumble recoveries.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 14:06 (CET).