NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe has signed a multi-year deal with ESPN that will expand his role beyond his presence on First Take.
ESPN announced the agreement Tuesday.
“Shannon Sharpe has been an incredible addition to the First Take team, enhancing the show’s dynamic with his engaging presence and insightful commentary,” David Roberts, ESPN’s Head of Event & Studio Production said in a statement to the media.
“Shannon’s chemistry with Stephen A. Smith has elevated our debates and been another key reason First Take is the premier destination for morning sports discussion.”
ESPN officials said Sharpe, 55, will do more at the network other than First Take. But those new assignments will be announced at a later date.
Sharpe has worked with ESPN since last August. That’s when he joined First Take, ESPN’s popular morning sports chatter featuring Stephen A Smith and host Molly Qerim. Before that, Sharpe and Skip Bayless paired up at FS1 for Undisputed.
“Being a part of this family has been a blessing,” Sharpe said in a statement to the media. “Everything about this relationship with ESPN, Stephen A., and First Take, has been tremendous. I look forward to expanding my role and showing more of the world what I have to offer. The show goes on!”
Outside of ESPN, Sharpe also hosts his own podcast — Club Shay Shay. The pod isn’t limited to athletes as guests. Rather, it’s a pop culture oriented with sports and celebrities and other influencers.
This time a year ago, Sharpe left Bayless and FS1 with no other gig lined up. During his final appearance, Sharpe became emotional.
“Skip Bayless, you fought for me, bro,” Sharpe said. “I’m here because of you. You allowed me to share the stage with you. You allowed me to share the platform. I’m gonna cry in the car, but I’m not gonna cry now. The opportunity that you gave me to become what I became, I’m forever indebted to you, I’ll never forget what you did for me. You helped me grow, more than you’ll ever know.”
Sharpe retired from the NFL in 2003. And he got to the league as a seventh-round draft pick coming out of Savannah State. What a career he had. Sharpe was part of three teams that won Super Bowls. He was a four-time, first-team All Pro. And he earned spots in eight Pro Bowls.
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