Dakoda Shepley Bio
Dakoda Shepley is a Canadian professional football offensive lineman known for his work along the offensive line at both the National Football League and Canadian Football League levels. Born in Windsor, Ontario, Shepley built his athletic foundation in ice hockey before transitioning to football late in his high school years. He has spent time with multiple organizations in the NFL and CFL, building a career defined by perseverance and roster movement between active rosters and practice squads. As of 2026, he is a member of the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL, where he continues his professional career as a national offensive tackle.
Early Life and Background
Dakoda Shepley was born on December 27, 1994, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in the Windsor area and attended Holy Names High School, where he focused primarily on ice hockey during his early teenage years. His football journey began only after he suffered a broken hand during his sophomore hockey season, which forced him off the ice and toward a new sport.
That unexpected turn gave Shepley his first real exposure to football at the high school level. Although he had not played the game competitively for most of his youth, his size and athleticism allowed him to adapt quickly. The late introduction to football ultimately set him on a path that would carry him into postsecondary play and, eventually, professional football in both Canada and the United States.
Path to American Football
Following high school, Shepley enrolled at the University of British Columbia, where he joined the UBC Thunderbirds football program. He was redshirted in 2013, his first year with the program, allowing him to develop physically and adjust to the speed and demands of the college game. He went on to become a four-year starter for the Thunderbirds, lining up primarily at right tackle and right guard.
As a sophomore, Shepley contributed to the Thunderbirds winning the Vanier Cup in 2015, the championship awarded to the top university football program in Canada. By his senior season, his development was recognized with a Canada West All-star selection at right tackle. These performances at the U Sports level positioned him for opportunities in both the NFL and CFL upon completing his university career.
Dakoda Shepley Career
Early Career (2018)
After going unselected in the 2018 NFL Draft, Dakoda Shepley signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent on May 4, 2018. He attended training camp with the Jets and appeared in three preseason games, working to show he could compete at the professional level. The Jets released him on August 31, 2018, as part of their final roster reductions.
Around the same time, the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL selected Shepley with the fifth overall pick in the 2018 CFL Draft. After spending time south of the border, he signed a two-year deal with the Roughriders in March 2019, formally launching his professional football career in Canada.
Saskatchewan Roughriders Breakthrough (2019–2020)
Shepley made his CFL debut on June 13, 2019, against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and went on to start 14 games as a rookie. His strong play earned him the unanimous selection as the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Most Outstanding Rookie for the 2019 season. The campaign established him as a reliable starting offensive tackle at the professional level.
Following the 2019 season, the CFL canceled its 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On August 25, 2020, Shepley chose to opt out of his contract with the Roughriders, opening the door for his return to the NFL.
NFL Journeyman Years (2020–2022)
On August 29, 2020, Shepley signed with the San Francisco 49ers. He was waived shortly after but was quickly signed to the team’s practice squad, where he spent most of the season developing. He was elevated to the active roster for games in weeks 14 and 15 against Washington and Dallas, gaining his first NFL regular-season game experience.
In 2021, Shepley was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Seahawks. He appeared in eight regular-season games with Seattle, contributing primarily on the extra-point unit. He was waived at the end of training camp in 2022 and quickly signed to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, later being promoted to the active roster in January 2023 before being waived two days later.
Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys Return (2023–2025)
Shepley was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts on January 10, 2023, spending time on their active roster and practice squad before his release in October 2023. He returned to the Dallas Cowboys on October 31, 2023, signing with their practice squad and later inking a reserve and future contract. Across these seasons, his work focused heavily on special teams and depth roles along the offensive line.
In 2024 and 2025, Shepley continued with the Cowboys organization between the active roster and practice squad. He was waived with an injury designation on August 8, 2025, concluding his latest NFL stint.
Toronto Argonauts Era (2026–Present)
On January 27, 2026, it was announced that Dakoda Shepley had signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL. The move brought him back to Canadian football after several years in the NFL pipeline. His CFL experience with Saskatchewan and his time as a national player make him a familiar fit along the Argonauts offensive line.
Driving Style and Strengths
Shepley is listed at 6 feet 4 inches and around 306 pounds, giving him the size and length valued in offensive line play. His college and professional background at both right tackle and right guard has provided positional flexibility. Coaches have leaned on his run-blocking base and special teams reliability to fill depth roles.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his most notable moments are his unanimous selection as the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Most Outstanding Rookie in 2019, his contribution to UBC’s 2015 Vanier Cup championship, and his transition from ice hockey to professional football. His journeyman path through several NFL practice squads and active roster stints also stands out as a defining feature of his career.
Dakoda Shepley Career Wins
Dakoda Shepley’s career is defined more by longevity and roster movement than by headline award totals. His verified achievements include a Vanier Cup championship at the university level and a CFL Rookie of the Year recognition with Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan Roughriders Highlights
During the 2019 CFL season, Shepley started 14 games as a rookie and was unanimously named the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Most Outstanding Rookie. That debut season remains the cornerstone of his CFL resume. He did not return to the Roughriders for additional regular-season games after opting out in August 2020.
Other Wins and Performances
At the collegiate level, Shepley was part of the UBC Thunderbirds team that captured the 2015 Vanier Cup, and he earned a Canada West All-star selection as a senior. Across his NFL stops with the 49ers, Seahawks, Cowboys, and Colts, his contributions centered on practice squad development and spot duty on special teams.
Dakoda Shepley Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Dakoda Shepley’s immediate family, including parents and siblings, are not widely documented in verified sources.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Shepley has appeared on screen in cameo and stunt roles. He portrayed the character Omega Red in the film Deadpool 2 and also worked as a stunt and body double in the comedy film Game Over, Man!. These appearances reflect his athletic build and comfort in front of a camera.
2025 Season Performance
Dakoda Shepley spent the 2025 season with the Dallas Cowboys organization. He re-signed with the team ahead of the season as part of their depth plans along the offensive line. His year was marked by continued work on the practice squad and limited regular-season appearances.
Shepley was waived with an injury designation on August 8, 2025, ending his time on the Cowboys roster for that year. The move opened the door for his eventual return to the CFL.
Looking forward, the announcement of his signing with the Toronto Argonauts in January 2026 marks a fresh chapter. With national CFL status, prior starting experience at Saskatchewan, and a renewed comfort level in the Canadian game, Shepley is positioned to compete for a meaningful role along the Argonauts offensive line in the seasons ahead.