Shannon Sharpe

Shannon Sharpe is considered one of the greatest Tight Ends to ever play the game. His accomplishments landed him in the Hall of Fame class of 2011. He was a player that literally redefined his position, a wide receiver in a tight ends body providing championship mettle for every team he played on. Sharpe's contributions to the National Football League are legendary. He personified what an athlete should be and ended his illustrious career etching his place in history as the all-time NFL leader on several prestigious lists.

Shannon Sharpe entered the NFL in 1990 as the Denver Broncos seventh-round selection (192nd overall) out of Savannah State. His career spanned 14 years, Broncos (12 seasons) Ravens (2 seasons). He is the NFL's all-time leader in receptions (815) and yards (10,060) by a tight end, eclipsing Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome during the 2001 season. He is the NFL's all-time leader in touchdowns (62) and 50-catch seasons (11) by a tight end. Sharpe was voted to eight Pro Bowls (1992-98, 2001), as well as the NFL's All-Decade team for the 1990s (first team). Sharpe is one of only four tight ends in the NFL annals to post more than one 1,000-yard receiving season (1994, 1,010 yards; 1996, 1,062 yards; 1997, 1,107 yards) and one of four to amass 6,000 receiving yards. He produced 19 career 100-yard games and a Denver Broncos franchise-record seven straight 50-catch seasons (1992-98) during which he was selected to seven straight Pro Bowls.

A three-time Super Bowl champion, back-to-back with the Broncos (1997, 1998) and the Ravens (2000), Sharpe holds the NFL record for most receptions in a post- season contest (13) along with Kellen Winslow (1981) and Thurman Thomas (1989). He also holds the NFL post-season record for longest reception, a 96-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown at Oakland in the 2000 AFC Championship Game (1/14/01). Sharpe played in 12 post-season contests as a Bronco - all starts - and ranks No. 1 in franchise playoff history in receptions (47) and No. 3 in receiving yards (505).

Sharpe was more than the numbers. He was a brash showman with an unrelenting work ethic and an unwavering desire to win, a combination as confounding to onlookers as his abilities were to opposing defenses. His peers and fans adored him because he played the game with love, courage and tenacity. Few athletes in the history of sports are remembered for their enthusiasm, character, and unselfish nature. These are among the many gifts he gave the game.

A gentleman with integrity and a great sense of humor, Shannon is known to have a wonderful heart both on and off the field. Known as a leader by example, Shannon answers the call as a role model for the youth of today. Shannon is now enjoying his career as a commentator for CBS Sports, NFL Today Show and SIRIUS NFL Radio, "Movin the Chains". His experience and outspoken insight is lifting television and radio to new levels.