History of Shannon Sharpe in Timeline

Shannon Sharpe is a retired American football tight end, predominantly known for his time with the Denver Broncos in the NFL. Widely considered one of the best tight ends in NFL history, Sharpe boasts impressive records, including ranking third in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns among tight ends. He was also the first tight end to surpass 10,000 receiving yards during his career. Sharpe's exceptional performance and contributions to the sport led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

June 26, 1968: Shannon Sharpe's Birth

On June 26, 1968, Shannon Sharpe was born.

Others born on this day/year

1987: All-SIAC Selection and SIAC Player of the Year

In 1987, Sharpe was selected as All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and named SIAC Player of the Year.

1988: Tigers' Best Record in Program History

In 1988, Sharpe led the Tigers' football team to their best record in the program's history: 7–3.

1989: All-SIAC Selection and Kodak Division II All-American

In 1989, Sharpe was selected as All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and named a Kodak Division II All-American.

1990: Drafted by the Denver Broncos

In 1990, Shannon Sharpe was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the NFL draft.

1992: Pro Bowl Selection

In 1992, Shannon Sharpe was selected to his first Pro Bowl.

1993: Playoff Record

In a 1993 playoff game against the Los Angeles Raiders, Sharpe tied a postseason record with 13 receptions for 156 yards and a touchdown.

1998: Pro Bowl Selection

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

1999: Departure from the Denver Broncos

In 1999, Sharpe ended his first tenure with the Denver Broncos.

2000: 96-Yard Touchdown

During the Ravens' 2000 AFC title game against the Oakland Raiders, Sharpe caught a 96-yard touchdown pass, the Ravens' longest offensive play in team history as of 2025.

2001: Pro Bowl Selection

In 2001, Shannon Sharpe was selected to a Pro Bowl.

2003: Retirement and Analyst Role

In 2003, Shannon Sharpe retired from professional football and became an NFL analyst for CBS.

2004: Winner of "The NFL Today" Pick 'Em Game

During the 2004 NFL regular season, Sharpe won the pick 'em game on "The NFL Today" with a 53-21 record.

2009: Hall of Fame Finalist

In 2009, Sharpe was among the 17 finalists being considered for enshrinement at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but was not selected.

2009: Induction into the Division II Football Hall of Fame

In 2009, Sharpe was inducted into the Division II Football Hall of Fame.

November 28, 2010: Nomination as Hall of Fame Semi-Finalist

On November 28, 2010, Sharpe was nominated as a semi-finalist for induction into the 2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2010: Induction into Savannah State's Athletic Hall of Fame

In 2010, Sharpe was inducted into Savannah State's athletic Hall of Fame.

February 6, 2011: Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

On February 6, 2011, Shannon Sharpe was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2011: Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame

In 2011, Shannon Sharpe was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

September 2013: FitnessRX For Men Cover

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

2013: Induction into the Black College Football Hall of Fame

In 2013, Sharpe was inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame.

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

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

September 6, 2016: Premiere of "Skip and Shannon: Undisputed"

On September 6, 2016, "Skip and Shannon: Undisputed" premiered on FS1 with Sharpe as co-host alongside Skip Bayless.

2016: Joined "Skip and Shannon: Undisputed"

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

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

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

February 10, 2023: Defamation Lawsuit by Brett Favre

On February 10, 2023, Brett Favre filed a lawsuit against Sharpe for making "defamatory charges" about Favre's involvement in a welfare fraud scheme. The lawsuit was later dismissed.

May 2023: Home Burglary

In May 2023, Sharpe's Los Angeles home was burglarized, and over $1 million worth of items were stolen. Sharpe announced a $50,000 reward for information.

May 31, 2023: Announcement of Departure from "Undisputed"

On May 31, 2023, it was announced that 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 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, it was announced that Sharpe would join "First Take" on ESPN as a recurring panelist.

2023: Departure from "Skip and Shannon: Undisputed"

In 2023, Shannon Sharpe left "Skip and Shannon: Undisputed" after reaching a buyout agreement with Fox Sports.

February 16, 2024: Contract Extension with "First Take"

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

June 2024: 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".

September 11, 2024: Instagram Live Incident

On September 11, 2024, Sharpe inadvertently started an Instagram Live video capturing audio of him engaged in sexual intercourse. He initially denied involvement but later apologized on Nightcap.

February 2025: "Club Shay Shay" Wins NAACP Image Award

In February 2025, the "Club Shay Shay" podcast won the Outstanding Society and Culture Podcast at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards. He was also a nominee for Entertainer of the Year but was edged out by actress, singer and television personality Keke Palmer.

April 21, 2025: Civil Lawsuit Filed by Gabriella Zuniga

On April 21, 2025, Sharpe was named as a defendant in a civil lawsuit filed by OnlyFans model Gabriella Zuniga alleging "assault, sexual assault, battery, and sexual battery." Sharpe denied the accusations.