If Sharpe didn’t like what Tampa Bay did with Shilo, he liked what the Browns did even less in the first game of the year by using veteran QB Joe Flacco. “I don’t know why y’all fooling with Joe Flacco,” Sharpe said, in reference to the franchise’s decision to use Flacco and instead of rookies Sanders and Gabriel.

“Y’all know Joe Flacco’s not taking y’all anywhere. He is not your quarterback of the future. If I’m going to lose, I’m going to lose trying to find out who my quarterback is. That’s just me. I don’t care if it’s Gabriel, I don’t care if it’s Shedeur,” Sharpe said on his Nightcap podcast.

Flacco Didn’t Have a Bad Game Despite Sharpe’s Complaint

It’s true that Sanders and Gabriel were not starters in the first game of the season, where the Browns lost 17-16 against the Bengals. But Flacco didn’t play badly; he just had some bad luck. However, according to Sharpe, he would not be the right man for the job.

Sharpe’s proposal is to use the rookies, who have no experience, instead of a quarterback who is a veteran of the offensive line like Flacco, who knows all kinds of tricks and, besides being a Super Bowl champion, played under John Harbaugh.

After his first game of the season with the Browns, Flacco said, “That’s football. I’m wishing I threw it a little bit better…we’re all going home tonight and trying to sleep with that on our chest,” after throwing for 290 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.

It is likely that at some point in the season, the Browns will give Gabriel and Shedeur an opportunity, just as Sharpe requested, but that remains to be seen. Other TV personalities also believe Shedeur could be good as a starter, including Skip Bayless, who said, “If Shedeur had started yesterday (Week 1 game) for the Browns, they would’ve beaten the Bengals.”

In his final game with the Buccaneers, Shilo Sanders threw a punch at Bills tight end Zach Davidson. As a result, the NFL fined him $4,669 — an amount that exceeded what he actually earned in Tampa Bay.

Sanders officially owes the NFL more than what he made during his time with the Buccaneers. This unusual case has sparked strong reactions, including from Shannon Sharpe, a longtime friend of the Sanders family.

Shannon Sharpe’s strong reaction to Shilo Sanders’ NFL debt

Shilo Sanders signed a three-year, $2.9 million deal with the Buccaneers. However, he was cut before collecting his first paycheck, leaving him with only $1,572 in guaranteed money — less than the fine the league imposed.

The case has triggered widespread criticism from both fans and analysts. Sharpe, who has a close friendship with Deion Sanders, stepped in to defend Shilo while calling attention to the unfairness of the situation.

Shilo continues to search for a team that might give him another shot in the NFL. Unfortunately, he would have to settle his fine before returning to the field, which could discourage potential suitors.

“Former Buccaneers, now free agent, Shilo Sanders was fined $4,669 for unnecessary roughness in the preseason game,” Sharpe said with Chad Johnson on his podcast Nightcap. “He ain’t made that. He owe the NFL. They took the man’s last check Ocho! Did he get re-signed? Did anybody re-sign him? Did he get re-signed to the practice squad?”

So far, no franchise has reached out to Sanders about a possible comeback. With the 2025 NFL season right around the corner, it looks increasingly unlikely he’ll be part of it.

Deion Sanders’ stance on Shilo’s Buccaneers release

When Shilo first joined the league, Deion expressed gratitude toward the Buccaneers. Following his release, the Hall of Famer said his son is ready for whatever comes next — whether that’s another NFL opportunity or a different career path.

“He is mentally where he needs to be, physically, where he needs to be,” Coach Prime said on Shilo’s situation. “We’re praying that he gets another opportunity to go with a team, but if he doesn’t, the plans have already been put forward to what he’s going to do next.”

“The Lakers can only pay him (Austin Reaves) so much. You’re gonna go somewhere and get a big payday anyway. You ain’t trying to stay with the Lakers when you get $200 million, and they can’t give you that… he has improved every single year; he’s a hell of a player…But those three guys are not gonna win anything. Now, I’m not saying you gotta package him, but they need a (traditional) big. He’s the only valuable piece that they have,” stated Sharpe on Nightcap.

Austin Reaves has just wrapped up a breakout campaign. Over 73 games, he averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor. His performance has drawn strong interest from around the league.

Per Spotrac, Reaves is under contract through the 2026–27 NBA season, which includes a player option. However, according to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, he may decline that option to hit free agency next summer. Reaves is reportedly eyeing a new deal worth around $30 million annually, well above the $19.5 million tied to his current option.

Given his strong season and rising value, the Lakers could look to move him while his trade stock is high. Still, many fans view that as a risky move. Reaves has proven he can thrive in Los Angeles, and his versatility makes him one of the most important players on the current roster.

Los Angeles Lakers reportedly weighing future of Austin Reaves and another important player

Even though Austin Reaves may ultimately decide not to opt out of his player option, the Lakers reportedly would not consider trading him unless it leads to the acquisition of an All-Star, as per Anthony Erwin. The front office remains focused on building a long-term core around Luka Doncic, and any major roster move would need to align with that vision. However, according to Erwin, Reaves might not be the only Laker whose future is uncertain.

Rui Hachimura, 27, could also be on his way out. Erwin reports that the forward enters the final year of his deal, and per Spotrac, he is set to earn $18.2 million in the 2025–26 season. If Rob Pelinka plans to make meaningful upgrades, he will need to act quickly to maximize return value and address two key priorities: improving bench depth and bolstering the team’s defensive presence.

“He only had five shot attempts–I mean nine shot attempts. Yeah, so in order for him, you need him to be somewhere in the 20s. You wouldn’t have been disappointed if he had 25 shot attempts…I understand he’s injured, but bro if you can’t give us any more than that, bro you got to sit down. Yeah, he’s giving us nothing, he gave us nothing,” stated Shannon Sharpe on The Club Shay Shay.

Although many agree with Shannon’s remarks, others offer a different perspective. They believe Michael’s need to play through discomfort highlights the team’s lack of depth. David Adelman often struggles to find reliable contributors off the bench. Because of that, it becomes difficult to establish an effective rotation. As a result, players like Michael cannot get proper rest, even when they are not fully healthy.

Despite dealing with a Grade 2 shoulder sprain, Michael Porter Jr played all seven games against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He averaged 7.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in the series. These numbers marked his worst playoff performance since joining the NBA.

However, this does not mean Michael caused the team’s elimination. Aaron Gordon also played through an injury, and the roster struggled as a whole. Only Nikola Jokic delivered consistent performances throughout the series.

Michael Porter Jr reflects on his performance after Nuggets’ Game 7 loss to Thunder

In the Denver Nuggets’ Game 7 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Michael Porter Jr played 23 minutes. He scored 6 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, and recorded 1 assist. This was well below his usual level of production with the team. However, instead of offering excuses, Porter took a self-critical stance and acknowledged his underwhelming performance throughout the series.

“I mean, I’m really devastated personally for just not being able to contribute how I wanted to and not being able to play the way I wanted to…I felt a little helpless out there, like I’m trying, but I just can’t go rebound how I want to, I can’t box out how I want to…That’s hard because if you can’t do all the other little things and you also don’t feel comfortable shooting, it was tough for me mentally,” stated Michael Porter Jr.

However, Michael addressed the reason behind his struggles after the game. “At the end of the day, I had a rough injury, that was kind of a longer injury, and I tried to play through it, but it is what it is,” he added during the postgame interview. Under normal circumstances, he likely would not have logged as many minutes in the series.

Still, he pushed through the pain to help a team that was already dealing with a thin rotation and inconsistent performances from key players. Fans recognized his commitment and, despite the disappointment of the elimination, showed appreciation for his effort.

The tension between Crawford and Davis has been simmering for some time. In a March 23 interview with Manouk Akopyan, Crawford notably omitted Davis from his list of the top lightweight boxers, saying, “Shakur [Stevenson] and Keyshawn [Davis] is the two best in the [lightweight] division, hands down.” This slight came shortly after Crawford criticized Davis’ perceived reluctance to fight on the undercard of a potential showdown between Crawford and Canelo Álvarez.

Although Gervonta Davis remains firmly rooted in the lightweight division, the idea of boxers moving up in weight is hardly new. Sharpe seized on this possibility during his April 25 interview with Crawford, asking whether he would entertain a matchup against Davis at 154 pounds. Crawford’s immediate laughter spoke volumes before he quipped, “I wish him the best.” With a knowing smile, he added, “That’s all I’m gonna say.”

The lighthearted response underscored the improbability of such a fight materializing. Nevertheless, Crawford’s tone suggested that should Davis ever dare to climb the weight classes, the outcome would likely be one-sided in Crawford’s favor.

Crawford’s confidence remains unshaken

While the notion of Davis jumping multiple divisions is far-fetched, Crawford’s relaxed but confident demeanor highlights a broader truth: he views himself as operating on a different level. His dominance across weight classes, combined with his poise in dismissing such hypothetical matchups, reinforces his position among boxing’s elite.

The playful banter between Crawford and Davis may never materialize into an official bout, but it certainly adds another layer to boxing’s rich tapestry of rivalries — and keeps fans eagerly engaged in the “what if” scenarios that make the sport so compelling.

He’s been the projected first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft for the past couple of years now, even before he made his college basketball debut for the Blue Devils.

That’s why NFL legend Shannon Sharpe mocked Duke fans for thinking he was actually going to return. Talking on ‘First Take,’ Sharpe pointed out that it was never a possibility.

Shannon Sharpe says there was no way Cooper Flagg was going back to college

“This was the worst-kept secret in America,” Sharpe said on ESPN. “And I laugh every time people say, ‘Well he might come back because he really loves college.’ Really? Really, people? Come back to do what?”

Sharpe continued by stating that returning to college didn’t make any financial sense for him, as he would’ve still gotten more money from an NBA rookie contract:

“Considering where the money is now, it makes no sense because all you’re doing is prolonging being away from the bigger bag that you’re going to get,” he said. “They’re not going to give him the NIL or the collective that he would get going number one overall or as a top-three, top-five pick. So this made no sense.”

At the end of the day, Flagg’s dream was to play in the NBA, so there was no reason to delay this decision any further, and it will be a privilege to witness his journey in the pros.

Shannon Sharpe‘s path from NFL greatness to media stardom has been anything but typical. With a Hall of Fame career behind him and a microphone now at the ready, he’s managed to turn gridiron grit into serious financial gain.

From tight end to talking head, his second act is proving nearly as lucrative as his first. Between bold takes, viral moments and major deals, he’s carved out a space that blends influence with income in today’s celebrity-sports landscape.

Yet even with his larger-than-life presence on screens and social feeds, one question continues to circle: just how much has he earned from this unexpected empire? The numbers might surprise even his most loyal fans.

What is Shannon Sharpe’s net worth?

Shannon Sharpe, the Hall of Fame tight end, has seamlessly transitioned from the football field and the NFL to the media landscape. As of 2025, he has a net worth of $14 million, as Marca and Celebrity Net Worth reported.

Shannon Sharpe’s career as a tight end and NFL earnings

Shannon Sharpe entered the NFL in 1990 as a seventh-round draft pick by the Denver Broncos. His breakout came in the mid-90s, coinciding with Denver’s rise to Super Bowl contention.

His consistent performance helped him secure increasingly lucrative deals. In 1993, he signed a three-year extension worth $3.65 million with Denver, and by 1997, he was earning $7.5 million over three years, reflecting his growing value on the field.

The biggest contract of his playing career came when he joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2000 with a four-year, $13.8 million deal. That move not only paid off financially but also earned him a third Super Bowl ring.

He returned to Denver in 2002 with a seven-year, $16 million deal—though he would retire just a year later. Over his 14-year career, he amassed an estimated $22 million in salary. His career stats 815 receptions, over 10,000 receiving yards and 62 touchdowns.

Earnings with the Denver Broncos

• 2004 | $900 thousand
• 2003 | $755 thousand
• 2002 | $1.6 million
• 1999 | $3 million
• 1998 | $2.5 million
• 1997 | $2 million
• 1996 | $1.4 million
• 1995 | $1.2 million
• 1994 | $710 thousand
• 1993 | $760 thousand
• 1992 | $325 thousand
• 1991 | $110 thousand
• 1990 | $148.5 thousand

Earnings with the Baltimore Ravens

• 2001 | $2 million
• 2000 | $5 million

Shannon Sharpe’s invesments

Financial discipline and entrepreneurial curiosity have defined Shannon Sharpe’s life after football. One of his standout ventures is “Shay by Le Portier”, a high-end cognac launched in 2022, inspired by his grandmother, Mary Porter.

The brand is marketed as a blend of legacy and luxury and has gained traction among his loyal fanbase and cognac aficionados alike. He’s frequently promoted the label on social media and through Club Shay Shay.

Beyond spirits, he has shown interest in lifestyle and fashion. His SHARPE clothing line reflects his personal style and message of confidence. He’s also been involved in local restaurant investments and other smaller-scale ventures in Atlanta.

These may not grab headlines, but they demonstrate a methodical approach to post-career wealth-building—one rooted in passion projects and cultural relevance rather than flash-in-the-pan business fads.

Shannon Sharpe’s endorsements

While many NFL players land endorsement deals during their playing years, only a few remain attractive to brands once they retire. Sharpe is one of those few. His sharp wit, outspoken takes and signature delivery—“That ain’t no problem!”—have made him a social media magnet.

Over the years, he’s partnered with household names like Reebok, Pizza Hut, Coors Light, Pepsi and most notably, State Farm. His 12-year association with the insurance giant reportedly earned him $3 million annually, according to TheScoop.

What sets him apart in the endorsement space is that he’s not just a celebrity face, he’s a personality. Companies see him as someone who can bring real engagement, not just impressions.

Whether he’s casually sipping cognac on his podcast or engaging in spirited debates with Skip Bayless, he has maintained cultural currency, something few stars in the league have ever achieved.

Shannon Sharpe’s real estate holdings

Sharpe’s taste in property mirrors his larger-than-life persona. His crown jewel is a mansion in Atlanta’s upscale Buckhead neighborhood, which he purchased in 2002 for $2.5 million. Today, the property is reportedly valued at over $5 million.

His real estate strategy appears more personal than purely investment-driven. he has often spoken about creating a home that feels like a sanctuary, especially after the chaotic pace of an NFL life.

During the Dallas Mavericks’ game against the Houston Rockets, Dante Exum was forced to leave the court after just six minutes due to a serious injury. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Exum suffered a broken hand and is now out indefinitely.

This setback adds to the Mavericks’ growing injury concerns, bringing their list of sidelined players to six key contributors. With the playoffs approaching, these absences could significantly impact their postseason hopes.

The Mavericks have faced a difficult season filled with injuries. Dante Exum’s absence adds another challenge to their struggles. Dallas have already struggled to find consistency on both ends of the court. With several players sidelined, the team’s depth has been tested. Head coach Jason Kidd has been forced to make constant lineup adjustments.

The Mavericks’ hopes of staying competitive in a tough Western Conference now rest heavily on Jason Kidd. His ability to manage the growing injury concerns will be crucial. To fill the void left by Exum and others, Dallas must rely on its bench. Players like Max Christie will need to step up and make an impact. Their contributions will be key if the Mavericks want to stay in the playoff race.

Former NFL star Shannon Sharpe criticizes Mavericks owner Patrick Dumont’s remarks on Luka Doncic trade

During his appearance on Undisputed, Former NFL star Shannon Sharpe questioned the mixed messaging from the Dallas front office: “The problem is that he called it a long-term move and Nico Harrison said it was a trade to win now…You just went to the NBA Finals… that’s winning now.”

The confusion stems from conflicting statements by Nico Harrison and Patrick Dumont regarding the reasons behind the Luka Doncic trade. On one side, Nico Harrison claimed the move was made with immediate performance in mind. Given the team’s poor results this season, the decision is now facing heavy criticism.

On the other side, Patrick Dumont stated that the trade was driven by long-term goals for the team’s future. This contradiction has only added to the scrutiny surrounding the move.

Now, the pressure is on both Patrick Dumont and Nico Harrison to prove their strategy can deliver lasting success. They must justify their decision to trade away Luka Doncic in favor of Anthony Davis, especially with Doncic still in his prime. This move adds even more urgency to their decisions moving forward.

“Embiid wasted peak Embiid,” Sharpe said on ESPN. He immediately pointed to the decisions Joel Embiid has made regarding his personal care. “He never took his diet and nutrition seriously,” he explained. “He limped into the NBA.”

Shannon, a three-time Super Bowl champion, went on to criticize the center’s approach to his physical health and how he has handled his injuries. “Instead of losing weight and trimming down to take pressure off that back, take pressure off those knees, take pressure off those ankles, what did he do? He thought it was cute to be sitting on the table eating McDonald’s, eating fast food.”

The former NFL star then emphasized the long-term consequences of Embiid’s poor choices. “It was funny—‘I can eat this here and bust everybody,’” Sharpe said, putting himself in Embiid’s shoes. “But in the end, it came back.”

Embiid’s season numbers

Physical problems have plagued Joel Embiid throughout the 2024-25 NBA season. The center has only played in 17 of the Philadelphia 76ers’ 53 games, a figure that is far too low for a player of his importance.

While his individual numbers in those games are solid—averaging 24.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists—his limited availability has not been enough to significantly impact the Sixers‘ results. In fact, with Embiid on the court, they have posted a subpar 8-9 record.

The 76ers are in trouble, according to Sharpe

Shannon Sharpe’s criticism of Joel Embiid was accompanied by a pessimistic outlook on the 76ers’ chances this season. “The process—all this is—is a process of elimination. It is over for the 76ers,” he stated.

“Tyrese Maxey is currently their best player,” the Denver Broncos legend continued. “They tried Paul George, and unless something turns around, he hasn’t looked like the Paul George in Indy, he hasn’t looked like the Paul George with the Clippers, and he damn sure didn’t look like the Paul George when he finished, like, third or fourth in MVP voting when he was in OKC.”

Sharpe’s focus then returned to Embiid, who he continues to criticize. “Joel Embiid? You can’t count on him,” Sharpe added. “Instead of playing for the U.S. team-and I’m glad he got a gold medal-he should have sat his (expletive) down. Because your loyalty and your allegiance is to the Philadelphia 76ers-that’s dumped a boatload of money into your bank account. And what did they get for it? You missed the season ’cause you had surgery. Now you hopping around, you out there on one leg, walking like a pirate.”

The NFL community is largely in agreement: Bills QB Josh Allen and Ravens QB Lamar Jackson are the leading contenders for the MVP award. That’s why the debate has been straightforward, as there are only two front-runners, and their stats played a significant role to the decision.

Sharpe already decided his MVP selection, considering both stats and impact that his player has had on his team. “I’ve got to give it to Lamar Jackson,” Sharpe said. “I just cannot overlook 4,100 passing yards, 900 rushing yards, 41 touchdown passes, and just four interceptions. He’s also got a top-five passer rating all-time.”

Jackson has undoubtedly been one of the best players in the league. Among with the stats cited by Sharpe, Jackson achieved significant milestones in the NFL. While other players have reached similar benchmarks, these could play a crucial decision in the MVP this season.

Why didn’t Sharpe choose Josh Allen?

Sharpe’s response to the MVP awards wasn’t only to bring up Jackson’s decision. He also weighed in on Allen’s outstanding season with the Bills, and explained why, in his view, he is not going to be MVP in this season, ahead of the Wild Card round in the NFL.

“I know Josh Allen has been tremendous—he’s been phenomenal,” Sharpe said. “But what Lamar Jackson has done, I don’t know if we’ll ever see it again. I don’t know if Lamar can replicate it. I just can’t overlook those stats.”

Ravens HC Harbaugh agrees with Sharpe

As Sharpe brought up Jackson’s stats to support his decision, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh did the same after the matchup against the Browns in Week 18. Without hesitation, Harbaugh discussed Ravens QB’s performance during the regular season.

“I mean, 4,172 passing yards, 41 touchdown passes, more than 900 rushing yards, and over 20,000 career passing yards. What else needs to be said?” Harbaugh remarked. “He’s a competitor. He’s a fighter, and he’s relentless. He’s one of a kind.”

With just a month away until the Super Bowl in New Orleans, the expectation is growing, not only for the championship game, but also for the NFL’s individual awards. Since 2022, the NFL MVP ceremony has been held on the Thursday before the Super Bowl, that is schedule for February 9.

On the Nightcap YouTube channel, Sharpe addressed the topic as “Caitlin Clark being SNUBBED of unanimous ROY“. During that program, he said: “I don’t know how you come to the conclusion that she wasn’t the unanimous ROTY.

“She got the team into the playoffs, when they haven’t been to the playoffs, I think, since 2016, 2017; She led them in scoring; She led the rookies in scoring & assists, averaged like 5, 6 rebounds a game; She set records for scoring, assist, 3-pointers… Let’s not get into it,” he ended the topic.

Several fans on social media disagreed with Sharpe, with one user accusing him of making “everything a dramatic persecution of her“. Backing up his statement, Shannon Sharpe tweeted: “Not true. Ppl criticized voter that didn’t vote Shaq or Bron the award unanimously. Look it up.”

While some may argue that the missed vote isn’t a big deal, it did prevent Clark from becoming just the fifth unanimous Rookie of the Year in WNBA history. The lone dissenting vote went to Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, keeping Clark from achieving the rare milestone.

What Did LeBron and Shaq Say About Their Voting Snubs?

When Sharpe compared Clark’s Rookie of the Year voting to LeBron and Shaq’s MVP snubs, he overlooked an important distinction—it was for the unanimous MVP award, not Rookie of the Year. Nevertheless, both NBA legends were vocal about their frustration with missing out on the historic milestone.

In Shaq’s case, the Lakers legend fell one vote short of becoming the first-ever unanimous MVP during the 1999-2000 season, receiving 121 of 122 possible votes. During an interview with Kristine Leah, Shaq made no secret of his lingering frustration: “Fred Idiot Hickman (the broadcaster who didn’t vote for Shaq), I hate him. I don’t need to talk to him. There’s nothing to apologize about. Because he destroyed history being a (censored).”

As for LeBron, the then-Cleveland Cavaliers star also came one vote shy of a unanimous MVP in 2013. Three years later, he revealed just how much the missed opportunity bothered him. “I was heated, but I knew all along (I wasn’t getting a unanimous vote). I just knew it,” James told Chris Haynes on the team website in 2016.

Clark on winning Rookie of the Year

Despite missing out on a unanimous vote, Caitlin Clark remained unfazed. When asked about the award, she expressed gratitude, saying: “I am incredibly honored to be named Rookie of the Year, but more than that, I am grateful to everyone that supported me throughout this past season—my family and friends, my teammates, the Fever organization and everyone that cheered us on all season“.

Alongside the WNBA Rookie of the year, Caitlin Clark also earned several other accolades such as WNBA All-Rookie Team, WNBA All-Star, WNBA assists leader, and WNBA rookie all-time scoring leader.