Will Shipley Bio
William L. Shipley (born August 29, 2002) is an American professional football running back and kickoff returner for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Clemson Tigers, where his versatility as a runner, receiver, and returner earned him national recognition. Selected by the Eagles in the 2024 NFL Draft, Shipley became part of a Super Bowl championship team in his rookie season, establishing himself as a dynamic playmaker in the Eagles’ backfield.
Early Life and Background
Will Shipley was born on August 29, 2002, in Weddington, North Carolina. He grew up in the same community where he would later become a celebrated high school athlete, developing a competitive foundation that would shape his approach to football. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches and weighing approximately 210 pounds, Shipley possessed the physical profile that allowed him to transition smoothly from a multi-sport background into a featured role on the gridiron.
Shipley attended Weddington High School, where he quickly established himself as one of the most explosive offensive players in the region. ESPN rated him the second-best running back in his recruiting class, and he committed to Clemson during his junior year of high school. His senior season was canceled and moved to the spring of 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but his body of work over his high school career remained impressive: 4,173 rushing yards on 503 carries, 1,411 receiving yards on 84 catches, and 80 total touchdowns.
Although football became his primary focus, Shipley was a versatile athlete. His number one sport in high school was taekwondo, and his second was lacrosse, in which he was recognized as a five-star recruit. He also captured a state lacrosse title alongside his brother, who went on to play at the University of Pennsylvania, demonstrating the competitive pedigree that ran throughout the Shipley family.
Path to American Football
Shipley’s path to a starting role at the college level began in January 2021, when he enrolled early at Clemson to join the Tigers’ football program. The early enrollment allowed him to participate in spring practice and gain an early understanding of the offensive system, accelerating his development under the coaching staff. His high school production had made him one of the most sought-after running backs in the country, and Clemson’s commitment to using him in multiple roles shaped his trajectory.
By the start of his first college season, Shipley had earned Clemson’s starting running back job ahead of the team’s game against North Carolina State, a remarkable achievement for a true freshman. He finished that initial campaign with 739 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 149 carries, adding 16 receptions for 116 yards and 14 kickoff returns for 380 yards. His ability to contribute as a runner, receiver, and returner foreshadowed the all-purpose role he would later assume at the professional level.
Will Shipley Career
Early Career (2021)
Will Shipley’s first season at Clemson set the tone for what would become a distinguished college career. Taking over as the Tigers’ lead back, he delivered a freshman campaign that included double-digit touchdowns and steady production across multiple phases of the offense. His early impact validated Clemson’s decision to feature him prominently and gave him invaluable experience in a Power Five conference schedule.
The dual-threat nature of his game was already apparent in his debut year. In addition to his work between the tackles, Shipley contributed in the passing game and on special teams as a kickoff returner. This versatility became a hallmark of his profile and laid the foundation for the awards that would follow in his sophomore season.
Clemson Tigers Breakthrough (2022)
Shipley entered his sophomore season on the watchlists for both the Wuerffel Trophy and the Paul Hornung Award, signaling the national attention his all-purpose play had begun to attract. He delivered a season that cemented his status as one of the premier running backs in college football, rushing 210 times for 1,182 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 38 receptions for 242 yards through the air.
His performance in the return game continued to be a weapon, as he logged 13 kickoff returns for 324 yards and gave Clemson’s special teams unit a reliable field-flipping option. Following the season, Shipley was named first-team All-ACC as an all-purpose player and earned first-team All-American honors, a remarkable distinction that reflected both his statistical output and his impact on every phase of the Tigers’ attack.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2024–Present)
Will Shipley was selected in the fourth round with the 127th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, beginning his professional career in a backfield known for its physical running style. He joined a roster built around an aggressive offensive line and a deep group of skill-position talent, offering him a clear opportunity to contribute as a rotational back and kickoff returner.
His most memorable rookie moment came in the NFC Championship Game, where he scored the first touchdown of his professional career in the closing minutes. Shipley carried the ball on every play of an 80-yard drive, including a 16-yard run, a 57-yard run, and a 2-yard touchdown run that sealed the Eagles’ path to the Super Bowl. He then joined the Eagles team that won Super Bowl LIX, a 40–22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, contributing one kickoff return for 25 yards in the championship game.
Driving Style and Strengths
Shipley’s game is built on a rare combination of vision, acceleration, and versatility. He is comfortable running between the tackles, bouncing to the outside, or aligning as a receiver out of the backfield, and his dependable hands make him a credible option on screens and swing routes. As a kickoff returner, his decisiveness and balance allow him to maximize field position, while his football IQ and preparation help him fit cleanly into the Eagles’ physical, downhill offensive identity.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Will Shipley’s young career are his first-team All-American and first-team All-ACC honors in 2022, his fourth-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, his first career touchdown in the NFC Championship Game, and his status as a Super Bowl LIX champion with the Philadelphia Eagles. Each milestone has come at a rapid pace, underscoring a trajectory that has produced impact performances at every level.
Will Shipley Career Wins
Although running backs are typically measured by statistical production rather than win totals, Will Shipley has already accumulated meaningful team victories at both the college and professional levels. His high school career featured a state lacrosse title and a dominant senior résumé shortened by the pandemic, while his time at Clemson included multiple double-digit win seasons in the ACC. As a professional, his most significant victory to date is Super Bowl LIX, won with the Philadelphia Eagles in his rookie campaign.
Clemson Tigers Highlights
During his Clemson career, Shipley consistently delivered in marquee conference matchups and became a reliable offensive engine for the Tigers. His sophomore breakout in 2022 stands as the cornerstone of his college résumé, producing 1,182 rushing yards, 15 rushing touchdowns, 38 receptions, and 13 kickoff returns while earning first-team All-American and first-team All-ACC recognition.
Other Wins and Performances
Shipley captured a state lacrosse title at Weddington High School alongside his brother, an accomplishment that highlighted his competitive drive across multiple sports. He also posted signature freshman numbers at Clemson in 2021, establishing a foundation that carried into his All-American sophomore campaign and, ultimately, into the NFL.
Will Shipley Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Will Shipley comes from an athletic family rooted in Weddington, North Carolina. His brother played lacrosse at the University of Pennsylvania, and the two shared the experience of winning a state lacrosse title together, an achievement that reflects the competitive environment in which Will was raised. The Shipley family’s support and athletic tradition provided a strong foundation for his development as a multi-sport athlete.
Personal Life
Will Shipley was born and raised in Weddington, North Carolina, and continued his academic and athletic career at Clemson before being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. He maintains an active presence on social media, where fans can follow his professional journey as a running back and kickoff returner for the Eagles.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Will Shipley returns to the Philadelphia Eagles as a Super Bowl LIX champion, looking to expand his role following a promising rookie campaign that included a memorable NFC Championship performance. The Eagles’ offense, anchored by a strong offensive line and a balanced scheme, is expected to continue leaning on Shipley’s versatility as a runner, receiver, and kickoff returner.
Shipley’s offseason focus will likely center on refining his pass-protection responsibilities and continuing to build chemistry with the Eagles’ quarterback and coaching staff, both of which are critical for a young back earning more playing time. His performance during training camp and preseason will be a key indicator of how the team plans to deploy him within a crowded but talented backfield rotation.
With a championship pedigree already established in his first NFL season, Shipley enters 2025 with clear momentum and a reputation for producing in high-leverage moments. If he can translate his rookie playoff success into consistent regular-season production, he is positioned to become a long-term contributor in Philadelphia’s offense and special teams units.