Sterling Sharpe, a former NFL wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, had an impressive yet tragically short-lived career due to a severe neck injury. Often overshadowed by his younger brother Shannon Sharpe, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, Sterling Sharpe was one of the best wide receivers of his time. His story is one of exceptional talent, heartbreaking injuries, and a passion for life after football. This blog delves into his career, post-football life, and the legacy he left behind.
A Dominant NFL Career Cut Short
Sterling Sharpe was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1988, where he quickly established himself as one of the top receivers in the league. In just seven seasons (1988-1994), Sharpe was named to five Pro Bowls and led the NFL in receptions for three seasons. His physicality, precision, and ability to dominate the field made him a key asset to the Packers’ offense.
Sharpe’s best year came in 1992 when he set an NFL record with 108 receptions in a single season, a milestone that solidified his reputation as one of the elite receivers in the game. He repeated the feat in 1993, further enhancing his legacy. Despite his impressive stats, Sharpe remained focused on playing the game, never boasting about personal accolades.
Unfortunately, in 1994, during his prime, Sterling Sharpe’s career came to an abrupt end. He sustained a neck injury that doctors feared could lead to permanent paralysis if he continued to play. Reluctantly, Sharpe retired from professional football at the age of 29, a decision that was as heartbreaking for fans as it was for him.
Life After Football: A New Passion for Golf
For many athletes, the transition from professional sports can be challenging, but Sterling Sharpe found a new love: golf. After his retirement, Sharpe immersed himself in the game, eventually becoming a plus-2 handicap golfer. When asked about how much he plays, Sharpe noted that he plays over 200 rounds of golf each year, not including tournament rounds.
Despite his deep connection to football, Sharpe admitted that he no longer watches the game regularly. He once revealed in an interview that he only watched three minutes of the Super Bowl and had no interest in following the NFL unless it was a big game. His love for football was rooted in playing, not spectating.
Sharpe’s competitive spirit and passion for excellence translated to his golf game, and he’s played some of the most prestigious golf courses in the world, including Pine Valley, Augusta, and Winged Foot. However, he humorously admitted that he’s never played overseas because “You know how many golf courses I’d pass going overseas to play golf?”
On Kneeling and Social Justice
In today’s world of professional sports, athletes are often at the forefront of social justice movements. During his career, Sharpe was known for being media-shy, rarely giving interviews. However, in his post-football years, he’s spoken candidly about important social issues.
When asked whether he would have knelt during the national anthem in protest of police brutality if he had been playing during the era of Colin Kaepernick, Sharpe gave a thoughtful response. He stated that as a black athlete, he probably would have knelt, recognizing that the protests were about highlighting issues like racism and inequality—issues that affect people who look like him. Sharpe emphasized that while people debate the action, few focus on the reasons behind it.
Sterling Sharpe’s Perspective on CTE
Concussions and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) have become major concerns for retired NFL players. Sharpe, now in his 50s, takes a pragmatic approach to the risks associated with his playing days. Despite the potential long-term effects of playing football, Sharpe said he doesn’t worry about CTE.
He mentioned that he’s had a fulfilling life and doesn’t live in fear of what may come. While he acknowledges the dangers, Sharpe emphasizes that many people who didn’t play football suffer from physical and mental challenges, too. For him, life is about appreciating the time he’s had, especially since he’s still able to enjoy daily activities like playing golf and recognizing his friends.
A Quiet, Yet Impactful Legacy
Sterling Sharpe may not be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but his impact on the game and the respect he commands among his peers is undeniable. Even his brother Shannon, who is in the Hall of Fame, admits that Sterling was the better football player.
Though Sharpe has left the world of professional sports behind, he continues to make appearances at charity golf tournaments, often in support of friends like former MLB star Joe Carter. Sharpe’s life today is filled with small victories—whether it’s reconnecting with old friends, playing another round of golf, or simply waking up to enjoy another day. His humility and contentment with his post-football life are a testament to his character.
Despite retiring prematurely, Sterling Sharpe’s football legacy is one that leaves fans and analysts asking, “What could have been?” His story reminds us of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of finding new passions, even after one door closes.
Conclusion
Sterling Sharpe’s story is one of immense talent, quiet resilience, and a profound love for competition, whether on the football field or the golf course. Though his football career ended far too soon, Sharpe found fulfillment in other areas of life, most notably golf.
His legacy, though not cemented with a Hall of Fame bust, lives on through his incredible achievements during his short NFL career and his thoughtful reflections on life after football. Sharpe’s journey serves as a reminder that sometimes, the greatest victories come in unexpected ways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Sterling Sharpe retire early?
Sterling Sharpe retired early in 1994 due to a serious neck injury. Doctors warned him that continuing to play football could risk permanent paralysis, which led to his decision to retire at the age of 29.
2. How many seasons did Sterling Sharpe play in the NFL?
Sharpe played seven seasons in the NFL, all with the Green Bay Packers, from 1988 to 1994. During that time, he was named to five Pro Bowls and led the league in receptions for three seasons.
3. Is Sterling Sharpe in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
No, Sterling Sharpe is not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, many believe that if his career hadn’t been cut short due to injury, he would likely have earned a spot in the Hall alongside his younger brother, Shannon Sharpe.
4. What is Sterling Sharpe doing now?
Sterling Sharpe is now an avid golfer, playing over 200 rounds a year. He participates in charity tournaments, including those organized by his friends, such as Joe Carter. Sharpe no longer follows football closely and spends most of his time on the golf course.
5. Does Sterling Sharpe worry about CTE?
Sterling Sharpe has stated that he does not worry about CTE. He acknowledges the risks associated with playing football but chooses to focus on the good years he has had and continues to enjoy his life, particularly his love for golf.