At a Glance
Shelton Quarles is a man of perseverance. Consider the fact that he spent several years in the Canadian Football League before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Or how dedication to his academics allowed him to be inducted into the National Honor Society. But, more importantly, Shelton had to persevere growing up because his father was not around. "I had to look for good qualities in other adults that I could apply to my life," says Shelton. And one major source of his inspiration was his mother. "She was like a mother and father to me," he says. "She provided me with the opportunity to persevere and the stability to keep trying." Through his mother, his faith and life experiences, Shelton was shaped into the outstanding player and man that he is today. And this carries over into his role as a husband and father. Shelton and his wife Damaris have a wonderful marriage. "Good communication is the best thing for us," says Shelton. "It helps us to overcome problems and take each other's feelings into consideration." Shelton and Damaris also have three bundles of joy; their daughter, Gabriela Nicole and sons, Shelton Eugene, Jr. and Carlos Antonio. According to Shelton, the key to being a good dad is "trying to be tender and loveable at all times. I'm always there for my kids and they know and enjoy that." Shelton and Damaris are involved in Big Brothers/Big Sisters and other charities around Tampa. In addition to football, Shelton loves golfing and bowling. He says he shoots "180" but we weren't sure if that was for bowling or golf and we were a little afraid to ask. But given all his activities, Shelton's family comes first. And given Shelton's gift of perseverance, we know this is a commitment he will keep.
