The selection of tight end Shannon Sharpe to the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame brings to 22 the number of former Bronco players (and one owner) represented within INVESCO Field at Mile High, and Sharpe’s entry probably precedes by just one year his eventual induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
If ever any player were a virtual lock for Canton honors, it is Sharpe.
There are seven tight ends in the Hall of Fame right now–Ozzie Newsome, Kellen Winslow, Jackie Smith, Mike Ditka, Dave Casper, John Mackey and Charley Sanders.
What each of those illustrious players has in common is that none of them has a single stat to match those of Shannon Sharpe.
His career recption total of 815 is higher than that of any of the others.
Ditto his 10,060 reception yards and his 62 career touchdowns.
But it is a team game, and the biggest stat of all is being a great player a leader on three Super Bowl teams, the back-to-back championship Bronco teams in 1997 and 1998, and one other crown while on sabbatical with the Baltimore Ravens, between his Bronco stints.
Just for good measure, Sharpe was named to the Pro Bowl eight times, and Charley Sanders comes the closest with seven, none of the others having more than five.
I remember when we drafted Sharpe, the first thing I noticed was that he caught so very many passes at Savannah State.
Big school or small, performance counts. They were trying to cover him there just as much as if he had been at the biggest school in the country, and Sharpe would not have caught all those passes if he had not had the ability to do so.
He was a locker room leader two ways, by an unflinching example of hard work, and also verbally, always quick to express his views and tell a teammate what he thought. Shannon would set things straight if he felt the need.
Sharpe’s work in the weight room is well documented.
But the little details are what separated him from others. When everyone else was eatling the team meal at our headquarters on a Wednesdsay or Thursday, Shannon was eating what he brought from home: broiled chicken, no skin, green vegetables, small portions. Very little variation. He told me if it was not boring, it probably was not very good for him.
He is the only player I have even seen on his hands and knees with one of those mini, hand-held vacuum cleaners, vacuuming out the bottom level, the shoe compartment, of his locker.
Neatness counts. Preparation is everything.
It is not uncommon even today for Sharpe to have a book of philosophy close at hand. He can hit you right between the eyes with blunt football talk one minute, and in the next quote a philosopher like Confucius or Fredrich Nietzsche.
There have been naturally great players, players upon whom greatness has been thrust by situation, and those who took what they had and just made themselves great players.
Shannon Sharpe took his ability and intellect and made himself a great player. He simply would not be denied, and he would not let his body deny him.
The Broncos have two world championship trophies in large part because of the contribution of Sharpe, a natural pass receiver who MADE himself a blocker good enough to anchor his end of the line in one of the greatest running games the NFL has ever seen.
He works just as hard preparing for his television work on CBS, and it shows on the air.
A great player and natural leader, Shannon Sharpe is a great addition to the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame, and they might just as well start working on that bronze statue in Canton as well.
Tags: Ring of Fame, Shannon Sharpe
broncochick1 what you have to remember is that their is a stigma with Vick, PETA is a very strong cult. I say cult because they’re killed innocent people in their attempt to stop animal testing. Not only do you have them, but the Broncos have contracts with other businesses (Like jewlery stores, car dealerships, any company that says they are the official *insert what they sell* of the Denver Broncos.) they could try and get out of their contract with the Broncos(Or any other team that signs him) costing them millions in advertising.
Broncochick1, you say not to bring up the dog fighting? Why? Is that not what is the issue, really? He didn’t just fight them, he was allowing the dogs to be tortured if they didn’t meet their specs (electrocution, etc.).
As far as his playing for Denver, God no. He doesn’t fit McD’s system of ball control. He likes to run before he likes to throw. We have too many talented WR’s and some talented TE’s to throw to. Don’t need a QB with “happy feet.” He would not be a good fit. So Ray Lewis got good lawyers to work his case. He’s still a thug and I am sooo glad he is not a Broncos. McD wants players with character. They aren’t it. Bringing up Lewis is not a strong comparison. More then one wrong never did make a right…. Maybe the Raiders would consider Vick, but not Denver. Also, did you read about the money that Vick’s agent was asking? Something like 6-7 million a year? Vick will never be a Broncos.
SuperBowlBoundBroncos, Colorado traiter. (jk).
Dynamicdave I would of said Browns would be a good fit, but then I remembered they have a DAWG POUND. We dont want Vick drowning them.
But yeah you brought up some good points.
Deify_you, lmao. Think of the bright side. he might get the Browns fans to fight each other, lol. Or the players in the locker room? I can see it now, “ACTION ALERT! Quarterbacks Quinn and Anderson of the Cleveland Browns electrocuted in freak accident on wet floor in shower. Authorities are looking into the incident to see if foul play was involved. What does this mean for Michael Vick? News at 5.”
Hey, it could happen…….
ROTFLMAO, OMG good one Dave, very cruel but very good LOL! Crazier things have happened, I mean look at the lakers Pau Gasols face, he looks like a CAMEL.
Dynamic Dave. You are right bringing up Ray Lewis is a bad comparison. Killing people isn’t that bad and I wish he wasn’t a Bronco either. Oh wait a minute…. He’s the guy who blew up the broncos in the playoffs on his way to a Super Bowl victory. Plus our defense is great in Denver… I mean… listen there are guys in the league who have made multiple mistakes and by the way Vick is not going to ask for 6-7 million. In fact, ESPN just reported he is looking for an inscentive based salary that could be worth millions. However, he needs to be reinstated first.
Broncochick1, keep in mind, Lewis was never convicted of murder. Yes he had some knowledge of the incident but he never did the actual murder. We all will form our own opinions about it but the law is the law. I don’t say it’s right but it is what it is. Vick WAS convicted of dogfighting and torturing those animals. Travis Henry was busted for cocaine and before that happened, Shanahan got rid of him. McD wants people with character. I don’t care how much talent he has (Lewis). I don’t want him or people like him (Vick, Pacman, Henry, Matt Jones, Jamal Lewis, Larry Johnson and the list goes on) on the broncos team. Marshall is at the end of his leash, as well. These highly paid athletes are supposed to be role models for kids. I don’t want my grandson growing up thinking that money buys you the ability to misbehave and get away with it. My son was raised properly and is a test pilot at Edwards. Who was his role model? Me. I’ve led a good life and (to quote Denis Leary) I don’t need these athletes messing up, (drugs, etc.), go into rehab, get out, get their picture on the cover of People Magazine, smiling, saying “Sorry, f***ed up.”
As for Denver’s D. We all know what Denver’s D was LAST YEAR. Do we know how they will be this year? No, not really, but I think they will be much improved. As for Vick, this is his bankruptcy woes:
“In addition, Vick’s complicated bankruptcy situation — U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Frank J. Santoro, who is presiding over Vick’s bankruptcy litigation, believes that Vick needs to earn between $7.5 million and $8 million a year over the next three years to break even — supplies another motivation for Vick to get back on the field and stay on it.”
Now I read an article where Vick’s agent SAID “We are looking to get him a contract with a team for around 7 million a year.” I will look around on the Internet to see if I can find it again. Maybe they are coming down to Earth and being realistic about his worth. I hope so. If it were up to me, he would never play in the league again. Same with Pacman and Jamal and Ray. Pacman came into Vegas, where I live and was indirectly responsible for the bouncer being shot and paralyzed. He got off the hook on that and shows no remorse. Then he goes to Atlanta and within months gets involved in another night club incident. He gets off the hook with the law and as I said, it’s not right, but the law is the law and it is what it is.
If anyone bases their beliefs of Ray Lewis on that 2000 season, then they should see that even under the accusations he was accused of, he played like an MVP, and the Ravens just happened to win the Super Bowl that year… How can you not want Lewis? He is a difference maker like Al Wilson was but better. As for Vick, all actions put aside, he is a versatile player, but I would not want to see him in Denver, because he would not fit the Offense, and I think we would be better without him. Now for the reason he was in prison. Dog Fighting. A terrible crime yes, but haven’t there been worse crimes commited by players? How about Hmm… Pacman Jones, starting riots that resulted in injuries? O maybe Plaxico Burress with a gun in a night club, that could have killed someone had it missed Plaxs’ leg. Finally someguy named OJ Simpson, Killed his wife and got away with it, and people were happy he got off. I think Vick deserves to be given a second chance, but it will not come from Denver. Depending on what happens with Farve, look for the Vikings, the Raiders, the 49ers, the Browns and even the Jaguars to be interested.
Oh funny thing is Lewis was never accused, and all that we have heard of him is the monstorous Defense he leads and a number of Pro Bowls.
Sorry I meant Lewis was never CONVICTED.
Deify-you I am aware that PETA is a huge organization however, so is MADD. Mother’s Against Drunk Driving and are you aware of how many DUI’s are in the NFL? And trust that MADD is just as strong as PETA I am a member. There is a player on the Rams currently who has a vehicular manslaughter and another DUI under his belt yet he is still making millions. The point is that MADD is full of people that are even former offenders. People can change and after they pay their debt to society they deserve a shot to get back into their lives. I wish Mr. Vick the best of luck and if the price was right I wouldn’t mind giving him a shot. Even though I do agree he doesn’t fit that great into the JMAC ball control game. He is more of a highlight reel homerun hitter type.
Bronco Lax I was being sarcastic about not wanting Ray Lewis.
http://nflcrimes.blogspot.com/. You guys should check this site out to get the low down on all the criminals in the game.
This is why I don’t want Vick
Between his selection by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 NFL Draft and early 2007, Vick was allegedly involved several incidents or events:
In 2007, conflicting statements were made by his estranged parents about possible dogfighting activities in 2001. Michael Boddie, his father, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that around 2001, Michael Vick was staging dogfights in the garage of the family’s home in Newport News and kept fighting dogs in the family’s backyard, including injured ones which the father nursed back to health. Boddie said his son had been urged to not engage in the activity, but continued. He stated “This is Mike’s thing. And he knows it.”[29] Within days, Michael Vick’s mother, Brenda Vick Boddie, told the Newport News Daily Press “There was no dogfighting [at our home]. There were no cages.”[30]
In early 2004, two men were arrested in Virginia for distributing marijuana. The truck they were driving was registered to Michael Vick. Falcons coach Dan Reeves recalled that he lectured Vick at that time on the importance of reputation, on choosing the right friends, on staying out of trouble for the good of his team. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution quoted Reeves as having told Vick: “You are an Atlanta Falcon…Whatever you do is going to be a reflection on all of us, not just you.”[31]
On October 10, 2004, Vick and the other members of his party including employee Quanis Phillips were at Atlanta’s Hartsfield International Airport on their way to board an AirTran flight. While they were passing through a security checkpoint with Vick, a security camera caught Phillips and Todd Harris picking up an expensive-appearing watch (either a Rolex or a fake) which belonged to Alvin Spencer, a security screener.[32] After watching the theft on a video tape, Spencer filed a police report. However, he claimed that Billy “White Shoes” Johnson, known as the Falcons’ “fixer”, interfered with the investigation.[31] Although Vick representatives declined to make him available for an Atlanta police inquiry, six days later Spencer did get the watch back from them, according to the Washington Post.[32]
In March 2005, Sonya Elliott filed a civil lawsuit against Vick alleging she contracted genital herpes from him in the autumn of 2002, and that he failed to inform her that he had the disease.[33] Elliot further alleged that Vick had visited clinics under the alias “Ron Mexico” to get treatments and thus he knew of his condition. On April 24, 2006 Vick’s attorney, Lawrence Woodward, revealed that the lawsuit had been settled out of court under undisclosed terms.[34] Many fans bought custom jerseys from NFL.com with Vick’s number 7 and the name “MEXICO” on the back, as a reference to his lawsuit. The NFL has since banned customizing jerseys with the name Mexico.[35]
November 26, 2006 – After a Falcons loss to the New Orleans Saints in the Georgia Dome, in apparent reaction to fans booing, Vick made an obscene gesture at fans, holding up two middle fingers. He was fined $10,000 by the NFL and agreed to donate another $10,000 to charity.[36]
January 17, 2007 – Vick surrendered a water bottle which had a hidden compartment to security personnel at Miami International Airport. “The compartment was hidden by the bottle’s label so that it appeared to be a full bottle of water when held upright,” police said. Test results indicated there were no illegal substances in the water bottle and Vick was cleared of any wrongdoing.[37] Vick announced that the water bottle was a jewelry stash box, and that the substance in question had been jewelry.[38]
On Tuesday, April 24, 2007, Michael Vick was scheduled to lobby on Capitol Hill, hoping to persuade lawmakers to increase funding for after-school programs. However, Vick missed a connecting flight in Atlanta on Monday to Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia. He later failed to show-up for another seat booked for him later that evening. On Tuesday morning, he did not attend his scheduled appearance at the congressional breakfast where he also was to be honored for his foundation’s work with after-school projects in Georgia and Virginia.[39] Vick’s mother, Brenda Vick Boddie, accepted an award from the Afterschool Alliance on her son’s behalf.
what kind of sick person finds joy out of killing dogs?
I think one of the problems I’m seeing is young kids getting all this money without playing a down in the NFL and then thinking their s**t don’t stink because they are rich. Living in Vegas I see a lot of Celebs and athlete/celebs come into town and behave like fools (Javon Walker is a good example). Paris Hilton and other Hollywood celebs as well. I know that if I’m in a bar/nightclub and someone like Javon or his buddies start shaking and squirting champagne on me and I’m wearing one of my expensive suits, we’re going to have a serious problem. They think they’re above the law and money can buy them the freedom to act arrogant. Sometimes it does, sometimes it don’t. Sorry BroncosLax, but I don’t think Vick should be allowed back into the NFL. They obviously, think different. It’s not just the dogfighting. It’s that this sadistic SOB was electrocuting them (or his pals were). That is just sick. Pacman, as I said earlier needs a humbling experience. Why the NFL let him continue to play after his thug living style is beyond me? He is a piece of garbage. Jamal Lewis was convicted of cocaine trafficking. Selling drugs that hits the kids on the street. Piece of garbage. The site that broncochick1 listed shows how rampant the players are getting. I truly don’t believe you’ll see that type of lifestyle from Peyton Hillis or Eddie Royal. Both are raised in a very religious background. Down to earth people. Stokley seems well grounded in all his years. Rod Smith is another great example. Jerry Rice. But no, we have to put up with those who don’t know how to act and enjoy the gifts given to them and the blessings that they’ve received. They should be there for the fans in a positive way. We, after all, pay their salaries in the end.
I’m a die hard Nuggets fan but they have a lot of “thugs” on their team. Melo got the DUI last year, KMart is the T.O. of basketball, Chris Anderson smokes crack, J.R. smith got 8 different driving violations in 7 different days, and anthony carter dropped out of high school and played basketball to help drug dealers earn money. we need moe guys like Billups and Nene.
DynamicDave
Im from Los Angeles, CA. How does that make me a Colorado traitor? The only reason Im a Broncos fan is because when I first started watching football, they only showed the Broncos on TV. Btw, yes I do know you were just kidding, lol. Speaking of criminals, the Denver Thuggets have no chance…
I like our Broncos team. the only “bad character/’ guys that really scare me are BMarsh and Marcus Thomas.
also, theirs a one-on-one interview with McB at the video and audio section.
SuperBowlBoundBronco, in your dreams! cry baby Kobe is gonna get T’d-up when they loose to the Nuggets so he’ll be suspended the next game.LOL
also, you sound just like the mav’s coach LOL
SuperBowlBoundBronco, Yeah, I live in Vegas but I grew up in Colorado. Lived there for over 25 years. I still watch my Broncos, though. Oh, and Kobe and company are going down quicker then Nixon did during Watergate. Kobe will have another hissy fit (like Doc said) and get kicked out of the game.
SuperBowlBoundBronco, forgot to mention, how are the Nuggets the only criminals? Last I remember, Denver doesn’t have any rapists on their team? (still jk)
This has turned into a mess of a post about Shannon Sharpe
mondono you are right that we are off subject, but it is entertaining. The Lakers are losing the next 4 games, and will be crying just like Cuban! Kobe doesn’t need help, bascally if he has the ball, after he takes a shot he will cry for a foul. Lets talk about 2nd chances for a second. Kenyon Martin used to not be a team player, he was sat in the playoffs two years ago, what does he do? He buys into the team idea now, and has changed how he carries himself out (still a little thugish). I cant believe you said that about Anderson, He did drugs ok? He has cleaned up and is now a key part of a team, and he puts his heart in the game. He said, “I play every possesion as if it is my last.” If you heard this guys story from when he was young then you would really be touched. Melo and the DUI, how many pro athletes get DUI’s? And what is he finally? A team first guy! So with all the nuggets flaws they have all been given second chances and have made the most of it.
As for Thomas and Marshall, I am not too worried especially about Thomas, who has been a model citizen since the Broncos drafted him. Just because he did something in college doesn’t mean he is a problem.
Broncoschick1- I no you were being sarcastic, lol I was talking about the other guys who though it a bad idea.
I know this is a Broncos Blog, but here is the link for Chris Anderson, It doesn’t tell his childhood until a little further down on the page.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=Andersen-080511
monodono, you can only talk about Shannon so much. If they don’t print new material, we will. Besides, talking in general about several subjects makes the bonding/closeness of the Broncos fans that much more special. Unlike Raiders fans, Broncos fans are family. We sometimes may fight with each other like brothers and sisters, but we’re still family.
As for the thugs of the NFL and NBA, drugs (if using only, not selling) can be forgiven if the person makes the attempt to correct his past. Killing of people or animals for personal pleasure is not something I’m quick to forgive. I killed in times of war to protect the innocent, not because I enjoyed it. I kill animals (deer) for food and also so they don’t overpopulate, not kill dogs because they didn’t meet my requirements. Forgiveness is not so “cut and dry.”
That girl from Colorado raped Kobe, he didn’t rape HER! lol We’ll see what happens tonight, Lakers all the way!!
BTW, how many free throws did the Nuggets take in game 1 compared to the Lakers??? There you go, you can’t say the Lakers get every call their way
If you see the calls that the Lakers get, then you will see that most of them are good D! He raped her ok, this fool has had relations with half of the laker cheerleaders, so dont say he didnt rape her, and she was not 18 yet
He raped her. Messing with an underage girl, at that. As for the Lakers, they’re going down quicker then a $20 crack whore on Fremont St. in Las Vegas. (I hope I wasn’t being too crude?)
We’ll see…. As for who raped who, that was years ago so let’s just keep it present tense because it seems as if that is all you Kobe haters have against him
BroncosLax and Dynamicdave, your right were all family. We need some new info….. anyone? I’m going back to MileHighReport.com
They got the goods.
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
Thanks monodono
As for Kobe, that’s not the only reason I hate him. He is a CRYBABY maybe worse then Cutler so that’s saying something. First He wanted the team to himself, to prove he was better then Jordan. Then he wanted to be traded or get better players around him. The he wanted the coach back who earlier he wanted gone. Now he has the best team you could have around you. Watch the game he cries after every single play for a foul! It could be great D and he wants a foul, so I hate that in a player and person.
monodono , everybody is blooging on the Dumervil article.
BroncosLax I would have to agree with you. Sometimes I wish he would just hustle back on the play, rather than jumping up and down flailing his arms, only to be called for a technical. I guess the love for the game makes you do stupid things and act in stupid ways when things aren’t going your way.(i.e Cutler and Kobe)
I still love the Lakers and Broncos though
SuperBowlBoundBroncos, one out of two isn’t bad. We can’t all be perfect, ha, ha.
SuperBowlBoundBroncos, how about them Lakers tonight…. HAH!
We need some Broncos news in this blog! Nuggets should be up 2-0 though with a chance at a sweep coming back to Denver.
FTL and cry-baby Kobe!!!
broncofanlvnm, the Dumervil article is more up to date.
Hey Broncos Faithful,
Save for Elway, Sharpe is the most deserving Bronco ever for Canton. The greatest TE ever, because he could do it all. Catch, block, running routes, it didn’t matter, he played every down with passion and heart. And let’s not forget that he was also the best trash-talker in the business.
Here’s to you Shannon, thanks for all the wonderful memories!
Go Broncos
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