Derrick L. Shepard is a former American arena and indoor football defensive lineman.
After spending two years in training camps with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots, Shepard began playing arena football.
After playing professionally for 9 years, Shepard became a coach of indoor football for the Miami Valley Silverbacks.
After not hearing his named called in the 1998 NFL draft, Shepard signed as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins.
[12] On August 11, 2004, Shepard scored the game-winning touchdown against the Quad City Steamwheelers in a 53–48 game.
His former teammate, Brian Wells was hired as the team's head coach in 2010, and he convinced Shepard to suit up for the Silverbacks.
In 2011, Shepard returned to the role of head coach for the Silverbacks, as they had found a new home at Hara Arena in Dayton, Ohio.
[17] Shepard led the Silverbacks to a 5–5 record and earned the team their second-straight playoff berth.