Born and raised in Palmdale, California, Shead attended Highland High School and was a two-time All-Conference and All-CIF Southern Section defensive back. He was named the winner of the 2006 National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete award.[3] He also competed in track and field at Highland, and still holds the school pole vault record.[citation needed]
On April 29, 2012, Shead signed with the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent.[4][5] On August 31, he was released,[6] then was signed to the practice squad the following day.[7] On November 27, 2013, Shead was promoted to the active roster from the practice squad,[8] and participated in Super Bowl XLVIII in February 2014, as the Seahawks defeated the Denver Broncos 43–8.[9]
After Seattle's loss in Super Bowl XLIX in February 2015, cornerback Byron Maxwell left for Philadelphia in free agency, leaving a starting position open opposite All-Pro CB Richard Sherman. The Seahawks signed Cary Williams in the offseason, but he was benched in Week 12 and later released. With Jeremy Lane and Tharold Simon still recovering from injuries, Shead was inserted as the second cornerback against Pittsburgh in place of Williams, and played well enough to earn the starting job full-time.
In Week 17, Shead recorded his first interception against the Arizona Cardinals, picking off quarterback Drew Stanton in the endzone. He finished the game with an interception, a tackle, and a pass deflection.
On March 12, 2018, Shead was released by the Seahawks.[14]
Detroit Lions
On March 14, 2018, the Detroit Lions signed Shead to a one-year contract worth $3.5 million, with an additional $3 million in incentives.[15] Despite being projected by many analysts to be one of the team's starting cornerbacks for the 2018 season, Shead did not make the 53-man roster and was released on September 1, 2018.[16] He was re-signed on September 19, 2018.[17] He played in 12 games before being placed on injured reserve on December 29, 2018.[18]
Seattle Seahawks (second stint)
On July 27, 2019, Shead signed with the Seahawks.[19] He was released on August 31, 2019.[20]
New Orleans Saints
On December 24, 2019, Shead was signed by the New Orleans Saints, but was released four days later.[21][22]