The former Savannah State University standout football star and NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe left FOX Sports and has taken a hiatus from being a sports co-host. During his time off, he enjoyed life outside of being an everyday sports host. The hiatus is over, and Uncle Shay is headed back on TV.
Sharpe is returning in front of the TV screen and is teaming up with another HBCU alum, Stephen A. Smith. Shannon will take on Smith every Monday and Tuesday on First Take. This move is just in time for the upcoming NFL and College Football season.
Stephen A. Smith, a Winston-Salem State University grad, has been working on First Take since 2012 and has been with ESPN before that. Stephen has brought the energy and his own personality since being at ESPN, which has contributed to him becoming one of the best sports hosts at ESPN.
These two TV stars coming together to talk sports will undoubtedly boost how many people tune into First Take on Mondays and Tuesdays. First Take already brings in hundreds of thousands of viewers, adding someone like Shannon Sharpe, who had one of the best morning sports talk shows in Undisputed on FOX, like LeBron James joining the Miami Heat in 2010. A dynamic duo ready to bring entertainment to people who tune in.
Not only is this a big win for First Take and ESPN but also for HBCUs, with both alums from their respective Universities.
Stephen A. has inspired all HBCU students who aspire to do the work he does as a sports journalist and host. He never passes on the chance to mention where he got his education and skills from—always repping the Rams of Winston-Salem.
Shannon Sharpe is also one never to shy away from mentioning his alma mater, Savannah State University. Sharpe was a 7th-round pick to the Denver Broncos, and it’s safe to say that he exceeded the expectations. Sharpe won three Super Bowls in his 14 years in the league, two with the Broncos and one with the Baltimore Ravens.
During his time with the Tigers of Savannah State, Sharpe earned the honor of College Player of the Year in Georgia. He was All-SIAC first team 3 consecutive seasons and won Co-SIAC Player of the Year in 1989. Savannah State retired his No. 2 jersey in 2009. Uncle Shay continues to give back to the Tiger.
These HBCU alums will definitely be an inspiration for the many HBCU students now who want to follow in their footsteps. It’ll be fun to see these two entertaining hosts go at it every morning on Monday and Tuesday on First Take.
