Neal Sterling

Neal J. Sterling (born January 14, 1992) is a former American football tight end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for four seasons. He played college football at Monmouth and was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL Draft, where he spent his first two seasons. During his final two seasons, he was a member of the New York Jets.

Neal Sterling
refer to caption
Sterling with the Jets in 2017
No. 85, 87
Position:Tight end
Personal information
Born: (1992-01-14) January 14, 1992
Belmar, New Jersey, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:257 lb (117 kg)
Career information
High school:Manasquan
(Manasquan, New Jersey)
College:Monmouth (2010–2014)
NFL Draft:2015 / Round: 7 / Pick: 220
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics
Receptions:24
Receiving yards:239
Receiving touchdowns:0
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Early years

Sterling attended Belmar Elementary School (Belmar, New Jersey) and Manasquan High School (in Manasquan, New Jersey), where he played both basketball and football. Sterling was a two-time NJSIAA Group II Central Jersey State Champion his junior and senior year at Manasquan High School under coach Pete Cahill. In his senior year, the Warriors posted a 9-3 record where Sterling led the team in offense with 40 catches for 700 yards with 8 touchdowns. He also contributed on defense at safety, where he recorded 50 tackles and one interception. After receiving multiple scholarships for both sports, he opted for a full football scholarship offer from Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey.[1]

College career

Sterling played wide receiver at Monmouth University. He did not see time his freshman year, ultimately redshirting. In his redshirt freshman year, Sterling started all 11 of Monmouth's games where he recorded 57 receptions for 677 yards and five touchdowns. After leading the team in receptions and receiving yards, Sterling was named Northeast Conference Offensive Rookie of the Year and was a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, given to the nation's top freshman in the FCS. During his sophomore campaign, Sterling recorded 33 receptions, 386 receiving yards, and five touchdowns while playing in all 10 games. His 33 catches were third on the team and the 386 receiving yards were second. In his junior year, Sterling played in all 12 of his games where he recorded 57 catches, 647 receiving yards, and six touchdowns which all led the team. The following year, Sterling had his best season. He again led the team in the three major receiving categories where he got 55 receptions, 905 receiving yards, and six touchdowns.

Professional career

Jacksonville Jaguars

Sterling was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the seventh round with the 220th overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft.[2] He was waived by the team on September 4, 2015 and was signed to the practice squad.[3][4] He was promoted to the active roster on October 20, 2015.[5]

In 2016, Sterling converted to the tight end position.[6] He played in 10 games with one start during the 2016 season, recording 12 catches for 110 yards.

On September 3, 2017, Sterling was waived by the Jaguars.[7]

New York Jets

On September 6, 2017, Sterling was signed by the New York Jets.[8] He was released by the team on October 5, 2017.[9]

Kansas City Chiefs

On October 7, 2017, Sterling was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad.[10]

New York Jets (second stint)

On October 25, 2017, Sterling was signed by the Jets off the Chiefs' practice squad.[11]

On November 10, 2018, Sterling was placed on injured reserve with a head injury.[12]

On March 25, 2019, Sterling re-signed with the Jets.[13] He was released on June 11, 2019.[14]

Kansas City Chiefs (second stint)

On June 13, 2019, Sterling signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.[15] He was released on July 24.

References
  1. Newman, Josh. "Monmouth's Neal Sterling Chosen in NFL Draft by Jacksonville Jaguars", Asbury Park Press, May 3, 2015. Accessed May 17, 2015. "Sterling, a Belmar native and a 2009 graduate of Manasquan High School, finished in the top three on the career list of every receiving category."
  2. Oehser, John (May 2, 2015). "'15 NFL Draft: Jaguars select Sterling at No. 220". Jaguars.com. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
  3. Oehser, John (September 4, 2015). "Roster moves: Eighteen done, four to go". Jaguars.com. Archived from the original on August 26, 2017. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
  4. "Jaguars sign eight to practice squad". Jaguars.com. September 6, 2015. Archived from the original on September 7, 2015. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
  5. "Jaguars make roster moves". Jaguars.com. October 20, 2015. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
  6. Kaye, Mike (October 2, 2016). "Jaguars forced to improvise at tight end in win over the Colts". firstcoastnews.com. Archived from the original on September 2, 2017. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
  7. "Jaguars claim five players off waivers". Jaguars.com. September 3, 2017. Archived from the original on November 5, 2017.
  8. Lange, Randy (September 6, 2017). "Jets Sign TE Neal Sterling to Active Roster". NewYorkJets.com.
  9. Allen, Eric (October 5, 2017). "Jets Waive TE Sterling". NewYorkJets.com.
  10. "Chiefs Sign TE Neal Sterling To Practice Squad, Release TE Orson Charles". October 7, 2017.
  11. Lange, Randy (October 25, 2017). "Jets IR Xavier Coleman, Re-Sign Neal Sterling". NewYorkJets.com. Archived from the original on October 26, 2017.
  12. Allen, Eric; Greenberg, Ethan (November 10, 2018). "Jets Promote QB Davis Webb to Active Roster, Place TE Neal Sterling on IR". NewYorkJets.com.
  13. Lange, Randy (March 25, 2019). "Jets Re-Sign Fifth-Year Tight End Neal Sterling". NewYorkJets.com.
  14. "Jets Release TE Neal Sterling". NewYorkJets.com. June 11, 2019.
  15. Bouda, Nate (June 13, 2019). "Chiefs Sign TE Neal Sterling, Cut Three".
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