New Orleans Saints wide receiver and return specialist Rashid Shaheed received his inaugural Pro Bowl selection, marking a significant achievement in his career, as announced by the NFL on January 3. The recognition adds to the Saints’ impressive streak of having at least one Pro Bowl selection for 16 consecutive seasons. In the upcoming 2024 Pro Bowl, following its current multi-day AFC vs. NFC format, Shaheed will start as the return specialist in the competition held in Orlando, Florida. The culmination of the event will be a flag football game on Sunday, February 4, at Camping World Stadium, scheduled to be televised from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. CT on ESPN, ABC, Disney XD, ESPN+, and ESPN Deportes.
Rashid Shaheed, initially signed by the New Orleans Saints after the 2022 NFL Draft from Weber State, has made a remarkable impact, particularly as a return specialist. Currently, he stands second in the NFC and third in the entire NFL in punt return average, boasting a notable 14.0 average. This accomplishment places him in esteemed company as the fourth Saint to be selected to the Pro Bowl as a returner, joining the ranks of Tyrone Hughes (1993), Michael Lewis (2002), and Deonte Harris (2019). Shaheed’s dynamic performances include 23 punt returns for 321 yards with a 76-yard touchdown and 18 kickoff returns for 384 yards. On the offensive front, he has contributed significantly, recording 43 receptions for 654 yards with four touchdowns and seven rushes for 37 yards. His all-purpose yards tally up to an impressive 1,396, ranking him ninth in the NFL.
A standout moment in Shaheed’s career occurred on September 24, during a game against Green Bay, where he electrified with a 76-yard punt return for a touchdown. This feat stands as the third-longest punt return in the history of the Saints franchise, showcasing the impact and playmaking ability of the talented return specialist.
In his two seasons with the Saints, Shaheed has consistently demonstrated excellence as a return specialist, accumulating 43 punt returns for 514 yards and a touchdown. His 12.0 punt return average currently ranks third in the franchise’s record books. Additionally, he has returned 32 kickoffs for 704 yards, showcasing an average of 22.0. Shaheed’s versatility extends to the offensive side, where he has caught 71 passes for 1,142 yards with six touchdowns and carried the ball 11 times for 94 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown.
Hailing from San Diego, California, Shaheed made a significant impact during his college years at Weber State. A five-year letterman, he concluded his college career as one of the most prolific kick returners in the FCS. Over 52 games, Shaheed amassed 88 kickoff returns for 2,560 yards with seven touchdowns and 40 punt returns for 575 yards. His receiving stats include 146 receptions for 2,164 yards and 18 touchdowns, leaving an indelible mark as the only player in Weber State’s history to earn All-American honors in four seasons.
In summary, Rashid Shaheed’s Pro Bowl selection is a testament to his exceptional contributions as a return specialist and wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints. The recognition adds to the team’s longstanding tradition of Pro Bowl selections, highlighting Shaheed’s impact on special teams and offensive plays. As the Saints head into the 2024 Pro Bowl and Shaheed looks to showcase his skills on a larger stage, his journey from Weber State to NFL stardom remains a remarkable narrative of perseverance and success.
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