The always funny and opinionated Shannon Sharpe's birthday is today, Saturday, June 26, and that triggers a flood of memories about how he earned spots in the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Everyone knows by now that Shannon was raised by his grandmother and other supporting individuals in rural Georgia, where they survived through poverty in conditions that he later called "dirt poor." When he left home to go to Savannah State, Shannon carried all his belongings in two grocery store paper bags.
He was then about as far from National Football League stardom and a media career as was imaginable.
But Shannon always worked harder than anyone else. Sometimes it is difficult to determine what someone's talent level is because of how hard they are working, and that was the case with Shannon Sharpe.
I remember when the Broncos drafted him in the seventh round (the 192nd-overall selection) of the 1990 NFL draft, I was reading his bio and noted to myself how he had a vast volume of receptions at Savannah State. If he did it there, he will likely do it here, I reasoned.
And so he did, but in those first few seasons, he seemed unwilling to block and had a variety of minor injuries that kept him out of a practice or two.
Then Mike Shanahan became our head coach in 1995.
He called Shannon in and told him that he was well aware of Sharpe's ability to catch the ball, but he had to be in great shape (not good shape, great shape), stay on the field and block. The better Shannon was at those things, the more he would get the ball. And the inverse was also true, said Shanahan.
Shannon Sharpe walked out of that office like a reborn tight end.
He hit the weight room like no one before and lifted so many weights that he wound up on the cover of Muscle Media magazine.
Shannon was one of the leaders of our back-to-back Super Bowl winning teams in 1997 and 1998 and ultimately was named the first-team tight end on the NFL 1990s All-Decade team, which was decided by Hall of Fame Selection Committee members.
He took a quick detour to the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 2009 before heading to Canton as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
But as is often the case, the anecdotal is sometimes what I remember the most.
I remember seeing Shannon using a handheld vacuum to clean out the very bottom of his locker, where the shoes are kept. He was in so deep one could only see his rump as he vacuumed his locker.
When he emerged, teammates asked him why he would go to so much trouble.
"Because if you live like a pig, you play like a pig," Shannon replied, adding that his choice was the opposite of that.
When we defeated the Atlanta Falcons to win Super Bowl XXXIII, Sharpe did his postgame interviews and showered, then reached into a duffel bag he had brought with him and produced a letterman's jacket that already had the logos of both Super Bowls on it, with the words "World Champions."
He was ready in advance.
Shannon was always the first in to lift and the last out, watched his body and his diet meticulously, and was quick to tell his teammates to do the same.
I remember him telling a teammate, "You are going to eat your way out of the NFL." The fellow had a fine career, but it did end a few years earlier than it might have.
Sharpe himself brought his own lunch to the Broncos. Grilled or broiled chicken without the skin, in a plastic container, along with a green vegetable, in a separate container.
On Fridays we would bring in fried chicken and pizza, and Shannon would eat that with his teammates — but more out of bonding than a desire for the food itself.
And then he adjourned to the weight room to exercise until he felt like he had gotten rid of the unwanted calories. As long as it took.
He was meticulous about every aspect of his life, including his wardrobe.
Once upon a time on a road trip we were on the same bus, and I commented that he was wearing a very nice lavender-toned shirt.
"Sacco, I'm surprised at you," Shannon said. "This is periwinkle."
He was always precise.
Broncos fans probably remember the key first down he made on a reception at Pittsburgh in the 1998 AFC Championship Game.
I remember the huddle, when future Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway looked at future Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe and said, "Just get open and I will throw you the ball."
Sharpe got open, Elway threw the ball, Shannon caught it, we went to Super Bowl XXXII and legends continued to grow.
I remember the press conference when the press somehow began asking about academics, and Shannon said, "Some guys graduate magna cum laude. I graduated 'Thank you, Lawdy.'"
Everybody laughed, but he was dumb like a fox.
No one was ever more prepared for a post career job in media.
Shannon always understood his own wit, but also when to use it and when to be serious. His football knowledge is at the top of the list, and it is no surprise that he is as good as he is in the media.
The real surprise would be if he were not.
Shannon, it is hard to stay a step ahead of you, or even to keep pace, but happy birthday to one of the greatest players in pro football history!
Relive Shannon Sharpe's prolific career with the Broncos — and several of his memorable moments after his career ended — with these rarely seen photos.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Sterling Sharpe (84) poses with his brother Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe before the start of an NFL game Dec. 30, 1990, in Denver. The Broncos defeated the Packers 22-13. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Tight end Shannon Sharpe watches from the sideline during an August 1995 win (20-17) against the Cowboys.
Denver Broncos Shannon Sharpe (84) comes down with a John Elway pass after being hit by Seattle Seahawks defender Carlton Gray (26) in the first quarter of the game in Seattle on Oct. 1, 1995. (AP Photo/Barry Sweet)
Tight end Shannon Sharpe talks to kids at the Air It Out competition on October 5, 1996.
Shannon Sharpe runs onto the field during pregame introductions against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in a 1997 preseason game.
Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe (84) heads upfield during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Aug. 31, 1997, in Denver. (AP Photo/Greg Trott)
Shannon Sharpe reacts after a play against the Seattle Seahawks at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 2, 1997.
Shannon Sharpe torments the crowd with his own version of Andre Rison's Spider-man routine after making a touchdown reception against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1997.
Shannon Sharpe talks with the receivers coaches in the press box during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, CA on November 30, 1997.
Shannon Sharpe sprints down the sideline for a 68-yard touchdown, Elway's career high 27th.
Shannon Sharpe greets well-wishers outside after the playoff win against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.
Denver Broncos linebacker Keith Burns (56), tight end Shannon Sharpe (84), tight end Dwayne Carswell (89) and wide receiver Rod Smith (80) pose for a photo during Super Bowl 32 Media Day on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 1998, in San Diego. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
AFC tight end Shannon Sharpe (84) of the Denver Broncos sets for play before the AFC's 29-24 victory in the 1998 NFL Pro Bowl played on February 1, 1998 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Shannon Sharpe takes some oxygen during a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on August 24, 1998.
Shannon Sharpe mentally prepares for the Broncos' regular season opener against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 7, 1998.
Shannon Sharpe and Terrell Davis exchange salutes after Sharpe connected with John Elway to produce the game's first touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 13, 1998.
Shannon Sharpe breaks free from the clutches of Raiders defender Charles Woodson at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, CA on September 20, 1998.
Shannon Sharpe taunts the Raiders fans behind the Broncos bench by wearing his Super Bowl Ring on the sideline during a game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, CA on September 20, 1998.
Shannon Sharpe moved past Vance Johnson to fourth in franchise history in career touchdown receptions. He scored his 38th touchdown of his career against the Philadelphia Eagles at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 4, 1998.
Shannon Sharpe hushes the crowd after making a 19-yard touchdown reception against the Seattle Seahawks at the Kingdome in Seattle, WA on October 11, 1998.
Shannon Sharpe and Rod Smith taunt the Kansas City fans from behind the Broncos bench at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1998.
Shannon Sharpe shows off a new dance for the fans after a touchdown reception against the Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on November 22, 1998.
Shannon Sharpe chats with John Elway on the sideline during Super Bowl XXXIII against the Miami Dolphins at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on December 21, 1998.
Shannon Sharpe congratulates Terrell Davis after Davis crossed the 2,000-yard mark on the season during a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 27, 1998.
Shannon Sharpe celebrates after catching John Elway's 300th career touchdown pass during a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 27, 1998.
Shannon Sharpe runs onto the field during the pregame introductions before facing the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Shannon Sharpe answers questions from the media following the playoff win over the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Shannon Sharpe celebrates in the locker room after the Broncos beat the New York Jets in the AFC Championship Game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 17, 1999.
Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe (84) poses at media day for Super Bowl XXXIII on Jan. 26, 1999 in Miami. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Shannon Sharpe watches the pregame show before Super Bowl XXXIII against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Shannon Sharpe makes a reception and runs the ball down to the 1-yard line during Super Bowl XXXIII against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Shannon Sharpe lets fans know who the world champions are after Super Bowl XXXIII against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Shannon Sharpe and Terrell Davis celebrate their Super Bowl victory against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Shannon Sharpe and Tyrone Braxton show the world that they are back-to-back world champions after Super Bowl XXXIII against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Shannon Sharpe and John Elway answer questions from the media after beating the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
The players and coaches of the Denver Broncos were presented with their second consecutive Super Bowl rings during a ceremony held at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. Pictured here Harald Hasselbach, Neil Smith and Shannon Sharpe.
Shannon Sharpe looks at his cell phone before the Denver Broncos held a press conference at their Dove Valley facility to announce the re-signing of tight end Shannon Sharpe.
Shannon Sharpe looks at a newspaper before the Denver Broncos held a press conference at their Dove Valley facility to announce the re-signing of tight end Shannon Sharpe.
Shannon Sharpe talks with head coach Mike Shanahan before the Denver Broncos held a press conference at their Dove Valley facility to announce the re-signing of tight end Shannon Sharpe.
Shannon Sharpe talks with coaches up in the booth during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at INVESCO Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on August 19, 2002.
Brian Griese, Shannon Sharpe and Jarious Jackson talk together in the bench area during a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Ravens Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on September 30, 2002.
Shannon Sharpe watches his teammates during pregame drills before a game against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 6, 2002.
Shannon Sharpe watches highlights on the scoreboard during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 6, 2002.
Shannon Sharpe flexes his muscles for the fans during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 6, 2002.
Shannon Sharpe poses for a photo with Pat Bowlen and Mike Shanahan at a Halloween party for players, coaches and corporate partners at Invesco Field.
Shannon Sharpe celebrates with his teammates after a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on October 20, 2002.
Shannon Sharpe conducts an interview with Suzie Kolber during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 24, 2002.
Pat Bowlen chats with Shannon Sharpe during the pregame drills before a game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on December 1, 2002.
Shannon Sharpe gets mentally prepared for his game against the Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 15, 2002.
Shannon Sharpe talks to the media after a minicamp session held at the Dove Valley facility.
Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe (84) makes a one-handed catch for first-down yardage over Indianapolis Colts defender David Thornton (50) during the second quarter in Denver on Monday night, August 25, 2003. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Shannon Sharpe blows a bubblegum bubble before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at INVESCO Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on August 29, 2003.
Shannon Sharpe watches game action from the sidelines during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on September 7, 2003.
Denver Broncos' Shannon Sharpe sings a song as he celebrates in the closing minutes of the Broncos' 37-13 victory over the San Diego Chargers, Sunday Sept. 14, 2003, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Shannon Sharpe celebrates a touchdown at Invesco Field during a game against the Oakland Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 22, 2003.
Shannon Sharpe jokes with Rod Woodson following the Broncos' victory over the Raiders at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 22, 2003.
Shannon Sharpe celebrates after his touchdown reception against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.
Shannon Sharpe watches his teammates run drills before a game against the Detroit Lions at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 28, 2003.
Shannon Sharpe greets Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez after a game on October 5, 2003 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.(AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Shannon Sharpe celebrates after his touchdown reception against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Shannon Sharpe makes a reception against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 16, 2003.
Shannon Sharpe is all smiles after his touchdown reception against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 16, 2003.
Shannon Sharpe celebrates his second touchdown reception of the day against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 16, 2003.
Teammates tease and cheer on Shannon Sharpe after his three-touchdown day. He became the all-time leader in touchdown receptions among tight ends during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 16, 2003.
Shannon Sharpe poses for a photo portrait.
Shannon Sharpe poses for a photo portrait.
Shannon Sharpe yells at Eddie Kennison on the field during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 7, 2003.
Shannon Sharpe celebrates after receiving a game ball for his performance against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 7, 2003.
Shannon Sharpe runs onto the field during the player introductions before a game against the Cleveland Browns at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 14, 2003.
Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe, left, and running back Clinton Portis look on from courtside seats to watch the Denver Nuggets and Carmelo Anthony host the Cleveland Cavaliers and rookie LeBron James in Denver on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2003. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Denver Broncos held a press conference at their Dove Valley facility to announce the retirement of Shannon Sharpe.
The Denver Broncos held a press conference at their Dove Valley facility to announce the retirement of Shannon Sharpe.
Shannon Sharpe and Steve Atwater join a crowd of thousands to watch as John Elway becomes the first Broncos player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. They too would join him in the Hall of Fame over the next two decades.
Shannon Sharpe signs autographs for fans before a preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals on September 2, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Masks of former Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe are displayed in the front row of the stadium during an NFL football game at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Shannon Sharpe gives his enshrinement speech as he's inducted into the Ring of Fame during the Broncos' game against the Cleveland Browns September 20, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Shannon Sharpe parachutes into the stadium with the Thunderstorm sky-diving team on the day of his enshrinement in the Ring of Fame during the Broncos' game against the Cleveland Browns, September 20, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Shannon Sharpe parachutes into the stadium with the Thunderstorm sky-diving team on the day of his enshrinement in the Ring of Fame during the Broncos' game against the Cleveland Browns, September 20, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Shannon Sharpe parachutes into the stadium with the Thunderstorm sky-diving team on the day of his enshrinement in the Ring of Fame during the Broncos' game against the Cleveland Browns, September 20, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Shannon Sharpe gives his enshrinement speech as he's inducted into the Ring of Fame during the Broncos' game against the Cleveland Browns September 20, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Shannon Sharpe gives his enshrinement speech as he's inducted into the Ring of Fame during the Broncos' game against the Cleveland Browns September 20, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Shannon Sharpe gives his enshrinement speech as he's inducted into the Ring of Fame during the Broncos' game against the Cleveland Browns September 20, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Shannon Sharpe gives his enshrinement speech as he's inducted into the Ring of Fame during the Broncos' game against the Cleveland Browns September 20, 2009 at Invesco Field.
John Elway greets Shannon Sharpe, who was enshrined in the Broncos' Ring of Fame during a game against the Browns on Sept. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File)
Shannon Sharpe, right, poses for photographs with Deion Sanders at Radio City Music Hall at the NFL Draft on Thursday, April 28, 2011, in New York. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)
Shannon Sharpe, right, poses with a bust of himself as his presenter, his brother Sterling Sharpe, stands next to him during the enshrinement ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011, in Canton, Ohio. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Shannon Sharpe pulls on his gold jacket as a new Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee at the Civic Auditorium in Canton, Ohio on Friday Aug. 5, 2011. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
Denver Broncos Shannon Sharpe holds up his Football Hall of Fame ring during a halftime ceremony before the second half of a game against the Bengals on September 18, 2011 at Sports Authority Field in Denver CO.
Former Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe, clad in Denver Broncos game gloves, helps out during the team's warmup drills prior to action against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta,GA . September 17, 2012.
Executive Vice President of Football Operations/ General Manager John Elway chats with former Bronco Shannon Sharpe, present for alumni weekend, after Denver defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 24-17 in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver,Colo. September 14, 2014
Hall of Fame Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe addresses the players after morning practice Broncos training camp on August 18, 2015 at UCHealth Training Center in Englewood,CO.
Shannon Sharpe runs out onto the field after being introduced as part of the 1997 Super Bowl team prior to the NFL game between the Denver Broncos and the Green Bay Packers at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO November 1, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Rod Smith and Shannon Sharpe walk out to the field before the Broncos' game against the New England Patriots for the AFC Championship at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) and former Bronco Shannon Sharpe celebrate after Denver beat the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Shannon Sharpe and John Elway celebrate after Denver's victory over the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Shannon Sharpe and Peyton Manning pose for a photo together postgame after Denver defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50 at Santa Clara, Calif. February 7, 2016 (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
John Elway, Gary Zimmerman, Shannon Sharpe and Terrell Davis poses for a photo with Pat Bowlen's bust during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony in Canton, Ohio, August 3, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Shannon Sharpe poses with his Pro Football Hall of Fame bust at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, October 11, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Shannon Sharpe remotely films his side of "Undisputed," the FOX Sports talk show that he stars in opposite of Skip Bayless, from the Broncos Media Studio on October 11, 2019. (Photo by Jeremy Rincon)
