Career Timeline of Shannon Sharpe: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Shannon Sharpe built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Shannon Sharpe is a retired American football tight end who played 14 seasons in the NFL, mainly with the Denver Broncos. Widely considered among the greatest tight ends ever, he holds high rankings in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns for his position. Notably, Sharpe was the first NFL tight end to exceed 10,000 receiving yards. His accomplishments led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011, solidifying his legacy as a dominant force in the sport.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1988: Tigers' football team record

In 1988, Shannon Sharpe helped lead the Tigers' football team to a 7-3 record.

1990: Drafted by the Denver Broncos

In 1990, Shannon Sharpe was drafted by the Denver Broncos as the 192nd pick in the seventh round of the NFL Draft.

1992: First Pro Bowl Selection

In 1992, Shannon Sharpe was selected to his first Pro Bowl, marking the beginning of seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections.

1998: Pro Bowl Selection

In 1998, Shannon Sharpe was selected to a Pro Bowl.

1999: Departure from Denver Broncos

In 1999, Shannon Sharpe left the Denver Broncos after winning two Super Bowl rings with the team.

2000: 96-Yard Touchdown

In the 2000 AFC title game against the Oakland Raiders, Shannon Sharpe caught a short pass on third down and 18 from his own four-yard line and took it 96 yards for a touchdown, the only touchdown the Ravens scored.

2001: Eighth Pro Bowl Selection

In 2001, Shannon Sharpe played in his eighth Pro Bowl.

2003: Retirement from the NFL

In 2003, Shannon Sharpe retired from the NFL after playing for the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens, and transitioned to becoming an NFL analyst for CBS.

2004: Won pick 'em game of The NFL Today

In the 2004 NFL regular season, Shannon Sharpe defeated Marino and Esiason in the pick 'em game of The NFL Today with a 53–21 record.

September 2013: FitnessRX For Men Cover

In September 2013, Shannon Sharpe appeared on the cover of FitnessRX For Men magazine as a columnist and spokesperson.

February 18, 2014: Relieved of Duties at The NFL Today

On February 18, 2014, Shannon Sharpe was relieved of his duties as an on-air commentator on "The NFL Today" on CBS Sports.

September 6, 2016: Skip and Shannon: Undisputed Premiere

On September 6, 2016, "Skip and Shannon: Undisputed," the sports debate show featuring Shannon Sharpe and Skip Bayless, premiered on FS1.

2016: Co-hosting Undisputed on Fox Sports 1

In 2016, Shannon Sharpe began co-hosting "Skip and Shannon: Undisputed" on Fox Sports 1 with Skip Bayless.

2021: Club Shay Shay Featured on Apple Podcasts Best of 2021

In 2021, an episode of Shannon Sharpe's "Club Shay Shay" podcast featuring Bubba Wallace was selected by the Apple Podcasts editorial team on their "Apple Podcasts Best of 2021" list.

May 31, 2023: Announcement of Departure from Undisputed

On May 31, 2023, it was announced that Shannon Sharpe would soon leave "Undisputed" after reaching a buyout agreement with Fox Sports.

August 23, 2023: Club Shay Shay Joins The Volume

On August 23, 2023, it was announced that Shannon Sharpe and his "Club Shay Shay" podcast would join The Volume, a digital podcast network founded by Colin Cowherd, under a multi-year deal.

September 4, 2023: Joins First Take on ESPN

On September 4, 2023, Shannon Sharpe joined "First Take" on ESPN as a recurring panelist.

2023: Departure from Undisputed

In 2023, Shannon Sharpe departed from "Undisputed" on Fox Sports 1 after reaching a buyout agreement with Fox Sports.

2023: Joins ESPN as a Weekly Analyst on First Take

In 2023, after departing Undisputed, Shannon Sharpe joined ESPN and became a weekly analyst on First Take.

February 16, 2024: Sharpe Signs Contract Extension to Remain on First Take

On February 16, 2024, Shannon Sharpe signed a contract extension to remain on First Take.

June 2024: Signed a multi-year contract extension with ESPN

In June 2024, Sharpe officially signed a new multi-year contract extension with ESPN, which also allowed him to expand his role on First Take.

February 2025: NAACP Image Award for Club Shay Shay

In February 2025, the "Club Shay Shay" podcast won the Outstanding Society and Culture Podcast at the NAACP Image Awards.

April 2025: Stepped Aside from ESPN Duties

In April 2025, following the filing of a lawsuit, Shannon Sharpe temporarily stepped aside from his duties at ESPN's First Take.

April 24, 2025: Departed from ESPN amid Lawsuit

On April 24, 2025, Shannon Sharpe departed from ESPN for an unknown period due to a sexual assault lawsuit against him.

July 2025: Dismissal by ESPN

In July 2025, Shannon Sharpe was dismissed by ESPN after settling a sexual assault lawsuit.

July 2025: Ended Association with ESPN

In late July 2025, less than two weeks after the settlement of a lawsuit, ESPN announced it would not be renewing Shannon Sharpe's contract, effectively ending his association with the network.