Fans often wonder how old Shannon Sharpe is as they watch him on TV shows like “Undisputed.” The former NFL star seems so full of energy that it’s hard to guess his age. Many people search online to find out when this football legend was born and how old he is now.
Shannon Sharpe was born on June 26, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up on a farm in Glennville, Georgia with his grandmother. Today, he is 56 years old (as of 2023) and still stays in great shape.
This blog will tell you all about Shannon Sharpe’s age and life story. We’ll cover his birth, his years with the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens, and his work on TV after football.
His path from small-town kid to NFL Hall of Famer is worth knowing.
Key Takeaways
- Shannon Sharpe was born on June 26, 1968, making him 56 years old in 2023.
- He played 14 NFL seasons with the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens, winning three Super Bowl championships.
- Sharpe grew up in Glennville, Georgia with his grandmother after being born in Chicago.
- He was drafted by the Broncos in the seventh round (192nd pick) of the 1990 NFL Draft.
- After retiring, he became a sports broadcaster on CBS, Fox Sports, and now works at ESPN on “First Take.
How Old Is Shannon Sharpe?
Shannon Sharpe was born on June 26, 1968, making him 56 years old in 2023. His age reflects a life filled with major sports success, from his days as a star tight end to his current role as a popular TV sports analyst.
Date of Birth: June 26, 1968
Shannon Sharpe was born on June 26, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois. His birth date makes him 55 years old as of 2023, placing him in his mid-fifties. This former NFL star began his life journey in the late 1960s, a time when football was growing in popularity across America.
The tight end legend shares his birth year with many other sports stars from that era. Though born in Chicago, Sharpe grew up in Glennville, Georgia, where his grandmother raised him.
His June birthday falls under the Cancer zodiac sign, often linked to people with strong family ties – a trait that shows in his close bond with his brother Sterling Sharpe.
Current Age: 56 years old (as of 2023)
Shannon Sharpe turned 56 years old in 2023. He was born on June 26, 1968, making him part of the same age group as many NFL stars from the 1990s. His age puts his amazing football career in context – he played for the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens during his prime years.
Fans who watch him now on sports shows might forget he spent 14 seasons as an active NFL player before moving to TV.
His age shows how much he has packed into his life after football. At 56, the Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end stays busy with his work on sports shows. He brings his deep football knowledge to his role as a sports analyst.
Many fans know him from his time on “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed” where he shared strong opinions about today’s NFL stars and games.
Early Life
Shannon Sharpe grew up in Glennville, Georgia with his grandmother Mary Porter after moving from Chicago as a child. He showed great athletic talent at Glennville High School before heading to Savannah State, where he excelled in both football and track.
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
Shannon Sharpe was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 26, 1968. While he started life in the Windy City, his family moved to Glennville, Georgia when he was very young. This small town became where he grew up and learned to play football.
His Chicago birth is just one part of his story that led to his NFL career with the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens. Many fans don’t know about his Illinois roots since he talks more about his Georgia upbringing in interviews.
College: Savannah State University
After growing up in Chicago, Shannon Sharpe moved to pursue his college education at Savannah State College (now Savannah State University). At Savannah State, Sharpe played as a wide receiver for the Tigers football team.
He showed amazing talent on the field and set school records in yardage, touchdowns, and yards per reception. His college career built the foundation for his future NFL success. Sharpe graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice.
The school later honored his achievements by adding him to the Savannah State Hall of Fame. His time at this small Georgia school helped shape him into the elite athlete who would later become one of the NFL’s best tight ends.
NFL Career Highlights
Shannon Sharpe’s NFL journey spans 14 amazing seasons filled with big plays and major wins. He changed the tight end position forever with his speed, power, and three Super Bowl rings with the Broncos and Ravens.
Drafted by the Denver Broncos in 1990
The Denver Broncos picked Shannon Sharpe in the 1990 NFL Draft. They chose him in the seventh round as the 192nd player. Many teams passed on Sharpe because of his size. At 6 feet 2 inches tall and 228 pounds, scouts worried he was too small.
This late draft pick turned out to be a steal for the Broncos.
Sharpe joined a team that needed help at tight end. The Broncos saw something special in him that other teams missed. His speed and hands made him stand out on the field. This draft choice started a great career that would lead to three Super Bowl wins.
Sharpe proved that draft position doesn’t always show a player’s true value in the NFL.
Teams Played For: Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens
Shannon Sharpe played most of his NFL career with the Denver Broncos. He joined the team in 1990 and stayed until 1999. During this time, he won two Super Bowl rings with the Broncos – Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII.
In 2000, Sharpe moved to the Baltimore Ravens where he helped them win Super Bowl XXXV. His skills as a tight end made him a key player for both teams.
Sharpe returned to the Broncos in 2002 for his final years in football. He played with Denver until he retired in 2004, ending his career with the team that first drafted him. His time with both teams helped him earn eight Pro Bowl spots and set records for tight ends.
Sharpe’s strong play with these two NFL clubs paved his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
Super Bowl Wins: 3 Championships
Shannon Sharpe grabbed three Super Bowl rings during his amazing football career. He won back-to-back titles with the Denver Broncos in 1997 and 1998, playing a key role in both victories.
The star tight end caught passes from quarterback John Elway during these championship runs. His third championship came with the Baltimore Ravens in 2001, where he helped the team crush the New York Giants.
His playoff skills made him a special player in big games. In the 2000 AFC Championship game, he made a huge 96-yard touchdown catch that helped the Ravens reach the Super Bowl. This play shows why he was one of the best tight ends ever.
Few NFL players can claim three championship rings, putting Sharpe in rare company among football greats.
Post-Retirement Career
Shannon Sharpe found big success on TV after he hung up his cleats. He joined “The NFL Today” on CBS and later became a star on “Undisputed” with Skip Bayless, where his bold takes and funny style made him a fan favorite.
Transition to Sports Broadcasting
After hanging up his cleats, Sharpe found a new home in sports media. He joined CBS Sports in 2004 as part of “The NFL Today” team. His bold takes and deep football knowledge made fans tune in each Sunday.
In 2023, he became a guest on ESPN’s “First Take,” showing his skills in sports debate. His big move came in 2024 when he signed a multi-year deal with ESPN. Now he works with Stephen A.
Smith and Molly Qerim on “First Take” full-time. Sharpe brings the same fire to TV that he once brought to the football field.
Role on Popular Sports Shows and Podcasts
After his TV sports career began, Shannon Sharpe made a big splash on Fox Sports 1. He co-hosted “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed” from 2016 to 2023 with Skip Bayless. The show let fans see his bold takes on NFL topics and other sports news.
His deep knowledge of football made him a fan favorite on the show.
Sharpe also started his own podcast called “Club Shay Shay” in 2020. This show has grown very popular with sports fans. He talks to many famous guests and shares his views on current events.
In 2024, he even sat down with Vice President Kamala Harris during her run for president. His strong voice and fun style keep fans coming back to hear what he’ll say next.
Personal Life
Shannon Sharpe’s life off the field shows his deep family bonds. His grandmother raised him in Glennville, Georgia, and taught him values that shaped his success in both sports and life.
Influence of His Grandmother
Mary Viola Washington Porter raised Shannon Sharpe in Glennville, Georgia. She shaped his life with strong values and hard work. Her small home had no running water, which taught Sharpe to value what he had.
Porter made him focus on school first, then sports. She showed him how to be tough but fair. This strong woman from rural Georgia helped build the character that made Sharpe stand out in the NFL.
Her wisdom stuck with him through his Denver Broncos days and beyond.
Porter’s impact shows in how Sharpe talks about her in interviews. He often credits her for his success both on and off the field. She taught him to speak well and be honest. These skills helped him move from football to TV work after he retired.
The Hall of Fame tight end still uses her lessons in his daily life. Her influence runs deep in how he treats others and faces challenges. Sharpe’s grandmother gave him roots that held strong through three Super Bowl wins and his whole career.
Relationship with His Brother, Sterling Sharpe
Shannon and Sterling Sharpe share a special bond as brothers who both found success in football. Sterling played as a top wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers until a neck injury cut his career short.
The brothers grew up in Glennville, Georgia, where they pushed each other to excel in sports. Shannon often talks about how Sterling’s work ethic shaped his own drive to succeed in the NFL.
He credits his older brother as his role model and biggest fan during his time with the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens.
Sterling’s sudden retirement due to injury in 1994 hit Shannon hard. Despite this setback, Shannon carried on their family legacy in the NFL, winning three Super Bowls and making the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
The Sharpe brothers remain close today, with Shannon often mentioning Sterling during his sports shows and podcasts. Their story shows how family ties helped shape one of football’s most famous tight ends.
Shannon’s Hall of Fame speech focused on his brother’s impact on his life and career.
Hall of Fame Recognition
Shannon Sharpe earned his spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011 after his amazing NFL career. His bronze bust now sits in Canton, Ohio, where fans can see the legacy of one of the best tight ends to ever play the game.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011
The Pro Football Hall of Fame opened its doors to Shannon Sharpe in 2011. This honor came after his amazing career as one of the best tight ends in NFL history. Fans packed the ceremony in Canton, Ohio to see Sharpe get his gold jacket and bronze bust.
His speech moved many to tears as he talked about his path from Savannah State to NFL glory. Sharpe joined other football greats like John Elway and Ozzie Newsome in the Hall that day.
Sharpe’s Hall of Fame spot was well-earned with his 815 catches and 10,060 yards. He set records for tight ends that stood for years until players like Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates came along.
His three Super Bowl rings with the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens helped make his case strong. The Hall of Fame honor put a perfect cap on Sharpe’s time on the field before he moved to his next job in sports TV.
Takeaways
Shannon Sharpe stands at 56 years old in 2023, with a birthday on June 26, 1968. His path from Glennville farm boy to NFL star shows his amazing talent and hard work. Fans know him not just for his three Super Bowl wins but also for his smart takes on sports TV shows today.
His spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame proves his mark on the game will last for years to come. From tight end to TV star, Sharpe keeps winning in life long after his playing days ended.
For more insights on his personal life, read about Shannon Sharpe’s orientation here.
FAQs on How Old is Shannon Sharpe?
1. How old is Shannon Sharpe?
Shannon Sharpe was born on June 26, 1968, in Glennville, Georgia, making him 55 years old in 2023.
2. What teams did Shannon Sharpe play for in the NFL?
Shannon Sharpe played tight end for the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens during his NFL career. He won three Super Bowls – Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII with the Broncos and Super Bowl XXXV with the Ravens.
3. Is Shannon Sharpe in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Yes, Shannon Sharpe was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. He was also named to the NFL All-Decade Team of the 1990s for his amazing skills as a tight end.
4. What did Shannon Sharpe do after his football career?
After retiring from football, Sharpe became a sports analyst for CBS Sports on “The NFL Today.” He later joined Fox Sports 1 where he co-hosted “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed” with Skip Bayless.
5. How many Pro Bowls did Shannon Sharpe make?
Shannon Sharpe made eight Pro Bowls during his time in the National Football League. His skills at tight end helped him set records for receiving yards that stood for many years.
6. Where did Shannon Sharpe go to college?
Shannon Sharpe went to Savannah State University. He was not a top pick in the NFL draft but worked hard to become one of the best tight ends ever, unlike his brother Sterling Sharpe who was a first-round pick.
