Saints Nathan Shepherd named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week

By Ross Jackson

NEW ORLEANS, La. – For the second time this year, a New Orleans Saints player has been selected for one of the NFL’s weekly accolades. After cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week after the Saints’ Week 5 win over the New York Giants, Saints defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd earned recognition for his performance in Week 10 against the Carolina Panthers.

Shepherd, who blocked a field goal in last week’s game, was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. 

Your NFC Special Teams Player of the Week: Nathan Shepherd 🙅‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/wTo766ehgF

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 12, 2025

Shepherd’s field goal block happened in the third quarter as the Saints held only a three-point lead with a 10-7 score. Unfortunately for New Orleans, there was a blunder in which the ball still crossed the goal line despite being blocked, was touched by another Saints player and recovered by the Panthers, allowing them to maintain possessions.

However, a fumble just four plays later led to the ball still heading the Saints’ way by the time it was all said and done.

The field goal block was the second of the Saints’ season and the fourth over the last two years. That quarter of special teams stops leads the NFL in that timespan.