Russell Shepard Scores Touchdown in First Game with Carolina Panthers

The former president and CEO of American Mattress Centers, Edwin Shoffner sold the company in 2002 after opening 141 sleep shops in Walmart stores within an 18-month period. Now serving as president of Mattress By Appointment, Edwin Shoffner enjoys attending Carolina Panthers games in his free time.

The Panthers enjoyed a successful start to the 2017 National Football League (NFL) season by earning a 23–3 win over the San Francisco 49ers. The team’s initial touchdown was made by first-year player Russell Shepard, who caught a 40-yard pass from quarterback Cam Newton for the score. It was the first of two catches for Shepard, who led the Panthers in receiving yards with 53.

An alumnus of Louisiana State University, Shepard is a 26-year-old wide receiver who spent the previous four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He didn’t record a single catch in his rookie season and only had 91 combined receiving yards in the next two seasons. However, Shepard had a career-best season in 2016 with 23 catches for 341 yards and a pair of touchdowns. If his performance in the Panthers’ season opener is any indication, he’s due for another outstanding year.