Shannon Sharpe, a former NFL player who has successfully transitioned into a TV sports broadcasting, has ventured into digital media with a series of podcasts that have exploded in popularity. His success in various fields has translated to an estimated net worth of $14 million.
During his 14 seasons in the NFL, his total career earnings were actually $22.3 million, per Spotrac.
It has also been reported that Sharpe will rake in $1 million for his viral interview with comedian Katt Williams.
Money Mapping
Here is a breakdown of how and why the internet speculates the engaging host is worth so much:
The Denver Broncos drafted Sharpe out of Savannah State in the seventh round of the 1990 NFL draft, and he eventually became a Hall of Famer with three championships to his name.
He retired in 2003 after playing for 14 seasons, having set records for the most catches, yards, and touchdowns by a tight end.
Career Highs and Lows
Sharpe played in 204 regular-season games and four AFC Championship games. He was a starting tight end for three Super Bowl victories: twice for Denver (XXXII, XXXIII) and once for the Baltimore Ravens (XXXV).
He also holds the record for one of the longest touchdown catches in NFL playoff history, set at 96 yards, according to Sporting News. His 2011 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame cements his legacy as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history.
“My life for 14 years in the National Football League was football,” Sharpe said in his Hall of Fame induction speech in 2011. “I ate, I drank, I slept, and thought football. That’s all I wanted to do. I didn’t take vacations; I didn’t own a yacht. I didn’t have a whole bunch of hobbies other than working out and getting ready for the upcoming season.”
After he bid the NFL farewell as a player in 2003, with his outspoken and charismatic personality, Sharpe easily transitioned to television, beginning as an NFL analyst for CBS Sports’ pregame show “NFL Today,” as well as the “Sprint Halftime Report” and the “Subway Postgame Show.”
In 2010, Sharpe stepped down from CBS due to accusations of sexual harassment in the state of Georgia, saying, “I have decided to step aside from the NFL Today show until this matter is resolved.” Just weeks later, he returned to CBS after the court dismissed a restraining order taken out by his accuser, women he apparently dated for an extensive period.
After an absence from TV, he joined former ESPN host Skip Bayless in 2016 to host “Undisputed” on Fox Sports 1, which did well in ratings for the network.
His sharp wit, engaging personality, and willingness to ruffle feathers have made him a ratings magnet, reportedly earning him a $3 million annual salary.
On June 13, 2023, after seven seasons, Sharpe left the network. He subsequently joined “First Take” with Stephen A. Smith, a former co-host and rival to Bayless, on Sept 4 on a part-time basis.
It is not disclosed how much Sharpe makes from ESPN.
In September 2020 Sharpe launched his podcast “Club Shay Shay.” Sharpe’s independent media venture, Shay Shay Media, also led him to create “NightCap” with Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson last year.
“Club Shay Shay” interviewed comedian Katt Williams on Jan. 4, 2024, which helped lead the already successful podcast into becoming the No. 1 sports podcast on Apple. The interview heard around the world has, as of reporting, 56 million views within three weeks for a podcast that stretches almost 3 hours.
The interview is his No. 1 most-viewed episode by far, with his second-most-watched “Club Shay Shay” interview being with Steve Harvey, which garnered 10 million views the previous spring.
Property and More
With his Georgia roots, Sharpe owns a spacious Atlanta property that has six bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, spans more than 6,000 square feet of living space.
Constructed in 1990, the traditional-style residence includes a fully finished basement which serves as either a living or entertainment space, and its adorned with a charming Masonry-style fireplace.
The luxury and conventional property is priced at $1,908,228, according to Urban Splatter.
Sharpe also owns 11,000-square-foot custom built mansion in Denver, Colorado. It is two-story and is equipped lavish amenities, including a home theater equipped with 20 seats and a 100-inch screen, an infinity pool, a putting green, and a basketball court. It features six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and a five-car garage. Sharpe’s house is worth an estimated $4 million, according to To Get Ideas.
Sharpe also has a residence in Los Angeles, where he spends most of his time. In May of 2023, got burglarized for $1 million in jewelry watches, and bags, according to TMZ. Sharpe put up a $50k reward for info leading to an arrest and conviction.
