Read opposing arguments from Loyal Homer and Bleacher Fan.
Shannon Sharpe revolutionized the tight end position in professional football. He was the first tight end to compile more than 10,000 yards. Sharpe was selected to participate in the Pro Bowl eight times throughout his illustrious career. When he retired in 2003, he left with 815 receptions, 10,060 yards, and 62 touchdowns in his career – all NFL records for the tight end position at the time. What might just be the most impressive aspects of Sharpe’s incredible career are the three Super Bowl rings. Yet somehow, in spite of all his obvious qualifications, Shannon Sharpe has been snubbed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame not once, but twice.
How can such a prolific player be excluded from the Hall of Fame? He appears to have done everything right. Set records in many statistical categories? Check. Play at an elevated level throughout an entire career, during both the regular season and post season? Check. And, most importantly, win championships? Check, check, and check. So what has this guy done wrong?
Sharpe is obviously a major contender for the honor, hence his two nominations and progress through the rounds of nominee cutting. But why in the world was he not an absolute no doubter the first time around, let alone the second? What other tight end before him was as integral to the passing game for their team(s)? Currently the NFL features several elite pass catching tight ends, like Antonio Gates, Jason Whitten, Tony Gonzalez, and Dallas Clark. These players are extremely important to their team’s offense in the same way that Shannon Sharpe was, but they are not exploring new territory for their position in the way that Sharpe did. He ventured into uncharted territory for his position, where these modern elites are following the trail he blazed. The tight ends of today are elevated in our minds because they stand on the shoulders of Sharpe and his accomplishments. That type of impact on the game deserves commemoration in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Some have alluded to Sharpe’s exclusion as simply a byproduct of the caliber of talent he is forced to compete with for entry into the Hall of Fame. Sure, there has been a boatload of talent on the ballots besides Sharpe. But I can think of no one – other than Emmitt Smith and Jerry Rice – who have meant more to their particular position than Sharpe. Each of these players revolutionized the game. There is that word again – “revolutionized.” The only players that have truly made such a dramatic departure from the expectations we have for a position or way of playing deserve preservation in the living memory of the Hall of Fame. But obviously those who actually have the authority to vote have different ideas. My question is, if Sharpe’s accomplishments for his position do not earn him a spot in the Hall of Fame… what will?
Usually when considering a player’s candidacy for the Hall of Fame a great deal of attention is turned to the ability to win championships. Sharpe has done that… three times! We often debate the credentials of some of the greats based on how many rings they have, but that clearly is not the issue for Sharpe. Instead some feel he has benefited from great systems and a great supporting cast. I do not believe this to be the case for Mr. Sharpe because although he won two Super Bowls with the Broncos, one of his three championships came with the Baltimore Ravens – a team not known for offense.
To Hall of Fame voters, I implore you to book Sharpe’s ticket to Canton, Ohio. Maybe you are keeping him out because you did not like his trash talking. Maybe you are keeping him out because you do not like his fashion sense. But it stands to reason that his athletic accomplishments should grant him a spot in Canton. To continue the snub of Shannon Sharpe is arbitrary and capricious, at best.
Posted by Babe Ruthless 
