Dakoda Shepley Bio
Dakoda Shepley is a Canadian professional football offensive tackle currently playing for the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League. He has built a career marked by persistence and adaptability, having played for multiple NFL teams and the Canadian Football League. Shepley is recognized for his strong presence on the field and continues to develop his professional football career.
Early Life and Background
Dakoda Shepley was born on December 27, 1994, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He attended Holy Names High School in Windsor, where his primary sport was ice hockey. Shepley did not start playing football until his sophomore year after suffering a broken hand, which shifted his athletic focus.
Following high school, Shepley enrolled at the University of British Columbia. He was redshirted in 2013 but became a four-year starter for the university football team, playing both right tackle and right guard positions. During his sophomore year, he contributed to the team’s Vanier Cup championship victory. In his senior year, Shepley was named a Canada West All-star at right tackle.
Path to American Football
Shepley’s transition from Canadian university football to professional American football began after his college career at British Columbia. Despite not being drafted in the 2018 NFL Draft, he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Jets. His early professional years involved moving between teams and leagues, gaining experience and exposure at the national level.
In addition to his NFL pursuits, Shepley was selected fifth overall in the 2018 Canadian Football League draft by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He signed with the Roughriders in 2019 and made his CFL debut the same year, starting 14 games as a rookie and earning the team’s Most Outstanding Rookie award unanimously.
Dakoda Shepley Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Shepley’s professional career began in 2018 when he signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent. He participated in training camp and played in three preseason games before being released at the end of August 2018. Shortly after, he joined the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the CFL, where he had a strong rookie season in 2019, starting 14 games and earning recognition as the team’s Most Outstanding Rookie.
Canadian Football League and NFL Development (2019–2021)
After the 2019 CFL season, Shepley opted out of his contract with the Roughriders in 2020 due to the cancellation of the CFL season amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He then signed with the San Francisco 49ers in August 2020. Although waived shortly after, he was signed to the practice squad and elevated to the active roster for two games late in the 2020 season. Shepley signed a reserve/future contract with the 49ers in January 2021 but was waived in August 2021.
In September 2021, the Seattle Seahawks claimed Shepley off waivers. He appeared in eight regular-season games, primarily contributing on the extra point unit. The Seahawks waived him in August 2022 as part of final roster cuts.
Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts Era (2022–Present)
Shepley joined the Dallas Cowboys practice squad in September 2022 and was briefly promoted to the active roster in January 2023 before being waived. In January 2023, he was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts but was waived and re-signed to their practice squad later that year before his release in October 2023.
Shepley returned to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad in October 2023 and signed a reserve/future contract in January 2024. He was released during roster cuts in August 2024 but re-signed to the practice squad, continuing his efforts to secure a stable position on the team.
Driving Style and Strengths
Dakoda Shepley is known for his versatility on the offensive line, capable of playing both tackle and guard positions. His size and strength provide a strong physical presence, while his experience across multiple teams has enhanced his adaptability and understanding of different offensive schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Shepley’s unanimous selection as the Saskatchewan Roughriders Most Outstanding Rookie in 2019 stands out as a key milestone. His elevation to active NFL rosters for game days with the San Francisco 49ers also marks important career highlights.
Dakoda Shepley Career Wins
While offensive linemen do not accumulate traditional wins or statistics like skill position players, Shepley’s contributions have been integral to team successes, including a Vanier Cup championship during his college career and solid performances in both the CFL and NFL.
University of British Columbia Highlights
Shepley was a four-year starter at the University of British Columbia, contributing to the team’s 2015 Vanier Cup championship. His performance earned him Canada West All-star honors in his senior year, highlighting his collegiate impact.
Professional Highlights
Shepley’s professional career includes being a key starter for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2019 and gaining NFL game experience with the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. His ongoing tenure with the Dallas Cowboys reflects his continued pursuit of growth at the highest level of professional football.
Dakoda Shepley Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Details about Dakoda Shepley’s family background and personal life remain private. There is no publicly available verified information regarding his parents, spouse, or children.
Other Interests
Outside of football, Shepley has appeared as Omega Red in the film Deadpool 2 and worked as a stunt and body double in the movie Game Over, Man!, showcasing his involvement in entertainment projects beyond sports.
2025 Season Performance
As of 2025, Dakoda Shepley remains a member of the Dallas Cowboys organization, signed to a reserve/future contract and active on the practice squad. His focus is on leveraging his experience to earn a more consistent role on the active roster. The Cowboys’ coaching staff values his versatility and work ethic, which could lead to increased playing opportunities in the upcoming season.
Shepley’s journey through multiple teams and leagues has provided him with a broad perspective and resilience, positioning him well for continued development. His performance in practice and special teams units will be critical in shaping his 2025 season trajectory.