Shields was a backup as a rookie and would win the starting Left Tackle job in his sophomore campaign.  From 1976 to 1983, the Georgia Tech Hall of Famer had three seasons where he had an Approximate Value of at least 10, and though he was never a Pro Bowler, he was more than reliable in his role protecting Quarterback, Dan Fouts.  

In his last two seasons in the National Football League (1984-85), he would play in brief stints for San Francisco, Kansas City, and the New York Jets.