Sam Shields

[Reddeye]

Was it known before the draft that Shields had "learning issues"?

When the Packers signed Shields as a free agent, Whitt was asked to develop a player not only with just one year's experience at cornerback but learning issues as well.

"I'm learning disabled," said Whitt. "I'm dyslexic. Growing up, I had to learn things differently. With some of my issues, I could relate to Sam. I taught him a little bit different, and it worked."

Shields was never very far from Whitt's purview in spring and summer. The soft-spoken Shields said Whitt never went too far, but the coach knew different.

"Sam used to hate me, I believe, because I used to stay on him," said Whitt. "I didn't want what happened to some first-round draft choices who had their confidence shot. So I made it so hard in practice that the regular season would be easy. Now I don't get on him as much because he understands what I'm talking about."

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/113117814.html

[Ill-yasova]

I'm not sure why but this made me think of the Episodes of Arrested Development where Charlize Theron is (Please Use More Appropriate Word) and nobody even knew for like 5 episodes.

I hadn't heard anything about a learning disability with Shields though.

[Wade-A-Holic]

Probably contributed to him going undrafted. You wouldn't know it from how much he's improved and how rarely he's out of position. By some accounts, he's really taken to Woodson and has been trying to adopt those same film study habits.

[MickeyDavis]

Hester was too dumb to play CB. Shields seem to be doing fine.