Shannon Sharpe will be at ESPN for a long time.
The former tight end signed a multi-year contract with the network after his First Take co-host credited him with “skyrocketing” the show’s ratings.
The deal will allow Sharpe to “expand” his role on the show and explore new opportunities at other properties on the Disney-owned network.
During Tuesday’s episode of First Take, contributor Stephen A. Smith said he and host Molly Qerim had a “special announcement” to make.
“Today is a big day,” Qerim chimed in, addressing Sharpe, who called remotely from Los Angeles.
Shannon Sharpe signed a multi-year deal with ESPN after joining the network last fall.
“I hope to expand my role and show the world what I have to offer,” he said.
“I want to congratulate you so much, you’ve been an incredible addition to the show,” he continued.
‘You have skyrocketed the ratings, but you have been a great teammate. Although you are very abusive on camera. We are very, very grateful to have you. “Congratulations on your new long-term extension with ESPN.”
Sharpe, who joined First Take last September, appears on the show every Monday and Tuesday.
“Being part of this family has been a blessing,” he said in a news release.
‘Everything about this relationship with ESPN, Stephen A. and First Take has been tremendous. I hope to expand my role and show the world more of what I have to offer. The show goes on.’
ESPN’s First Take has drawn huge ratings since Sharpe joined from Fox
He previously worked with Skip Bayless from 2016 to 2023, but they had a high-profile fight.
Stephen A. Smith spoke with Sharpe about his departure from Fox and his move to ESPN in March.
He previously spent seven years alongside Skip Bayless on the rival talk show, Undisputed, on Fox Sports 1.
While First Take has experienced excellent ratings, the Bayless-led show has been suffering in the wake of Sharpe’s high-profile departure.
This followed a fight with his co-host, both on and off air.
In a conversation with Smith earlier this year, Sharpe talked about the awkward transition from Fox to ESPN and the moment it all started to fall apart live on the show.
During a live debate about Tom Brady’s high levels of performance at age 45, Sharpe felt Bayless took a personal dig at his own playing career, and their relationship quickly soared.
“In my entire TV career, that was probably… I remember going home, calling my sister, calling my brother… I had a hard time not putting my hands on him, that’s actually how it was,” Sharpe told Smith.
‘Why should I be jealous of Tom Brady? Tom was like me, when he was given a chance. He made the most of that opportunity.
‘He (Skip) felt he could overcome the situation in that situation. Whatever the relationship, once one partner does not respect the other, the other in turn loses respect for said partner, so I think it’s just a matter of time because I felt at that moment that he had lost all respect for me. .’
