How does a wide receiver get a game ball for blocking?

New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard said it was the “first time I’ve ever seen it” when he was awarded a game ball this week for his blocking on Sunday against the Washington Redskins.

So, how does a wide receiver earn a game for blocking?

Here’s how.

First, by coming across the formation to stonewall safety D.J. Swearinger and spring Saquon Barkley for a 78-yard touchdown run.

Then, by sprinting roughly 35 yards and hurtling himself to level cornerback Josh Norman to help Barkley on a 53-yard run.

Against the Chicago Bears, we saw Odell Beckham Jr. throw two downfield blocks as Barkley went 29 yards on the first play of overtime to help set up the eventual game-winning field goal.

“I mean that’s what we take pride in in the wide receiving room is blocking, which a lot of receivers you see don’t really like to do that but Coach Tyke (Tolbert), he’s implanted that in us since he’s gotten here,” Shepard said. “That’s what we love doing.”

That’s winning football, and it’s worth celebrating.