Class of 2025: Sterling Sharpe – Sterling joins Shannon to form Gold Jacket brother act

By Barry Wilner
Special to the Pro Football Hall of Fame

A sense of wonder filled Sterling Sharpe’s response when asked about being selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“This is not a dream you have,” he said. “It’s a lot better than any dream we had growing up in Glennville, Georgia.”

It’s also part of an achievement unmatched in Hall annals as the former wide receiver of the Green Bay Packers joined his younger brother, previous enshrinee Shannon Sharpe, a member of the Class of 2011. 

They are the only siblings to own Gold Jackets.

That Sterling trailed Shannon in being enshrined by 14 years seemed to make no difference. “You learn to follow before you can lead,” he said.

And Sterling emphasized the connection with Shannon with the unprecedented act of having his brother join him at the podium.

Shannon wrapped his right arm around Sterling’s shoulder as the older brother noted how he couldn’t cry and had to be strong for Shannon as they grew up.

“It is so wonderful to be able to experience love and appreciation from my family. But this is why I played football,’’ Sterling said, pointing at Shannon.

Then he took off his Gold Jacket and handed it to his sibling.

“Everything I did was for an audience of one,” Sterling explained. “When you grow up in rural South Georgia, it is hard to find role models.

“It is so wonderful to be able to experience love and appreciation from my family,” Sterling added, mentioning his wife, daughter and sister. “The most precious gift I ever received is the Super Bowl ring I wear.”

Shannon gave Sterling the ring after winning a championship with the Broncos.

“I wear this because of love. You gave me this not knowing you would get another,” Sterling continued. “God blessed him with two.”

Shannon also won a title with the Ravens.

“The last time I was here, you said you were the second-best player in your own family. I agree with that statement,” Sterling joked, drawing a huge smile from Shannon and laughs from the crowd. “It would be an extreme privilege and my extreme pleasure for you to be the only player in the Hall of Fame with two Gold Jackets.”

He then took off his jacket and handed it to Shannon. 

“You have to follow to learn how to lead.”

Sharpe played only seven NFL seasons, yet his impact was immeasurable. He scored 65 touchdowns in that short span, including a league-high 13 in 1992. Sharpe led the NFL in receptions three times, with 108 in ’92 and 112 the next year. That included the receiving triple crown of topping the league in receptions, yards and touchdowns in 1992. 

A three-time All-Pro who made five Pro Bowls during an era marked by great wideouts, Sharpe was tough, aggressive, creative and a leader. He was forced to retire early due to vertebrae issues.

Mentioning assistant coach Sherm Lewis in Green Bay as a man who made a most profound difference in his development as a pro, Sharpe said: “You have to understand why we call certain plays. When I understood why, I was able to lead the NFL in yards, catches and touchdowns. Sherm coached the greatest wide receiver in history. He never mentioned Jerry Rice and me in the same sentence. So I never felt I was playing in Jerry’s shadow.”

Which allowed Sharpe to be himself. Which was good enough for a Bronze Bust in Canton.

“There are lots of reasons these great players are able to sit and wear this Gold Jacket,” he said. “I stand before you as a member … of the Hall of Fame because of love.”