Legendary Former Teammate Calls Out Broncos Icon Shannon Sharpe
Denver Broncos great Shannon Sharpe has made one of the most successful transitions from player to media personality in the NFL, but his public (i.e., television) persona is not for everyone, including a well-known former teammate.
Sharpe did not spend his entire playing career with the Broncos. He also spent two years with the Baltimore Ravens.
His former Ravens teammate, Ray Lewis, is among those put off by Sharpe’s act.
Ray Lewis Admits Parting Ways With Ex-Broncos TE Shannon Sharpe
“I’m not surprised [by Sharpe’s success in media]. I’m shocked at his content. I would in a million years, the things that Shannon has said now or did now, I would never believe that Shannon will say or do any of those things,” Lewis told Patrick Bet-David on the “PBD Podcast” in a clip shared on August 30.
“Take drinking. Shannon, in my entire career, I’ve never saw Shannon with a drink. Ever. Like, it was against the law, right, because he had some stuff in his family that he didn’t want to follow that. And, yeah, and then, so, I kind of started to watch him. And then, we kind of went our own separate ways because I’m like, ‘You’re going to take that route. I can’t go that route. Never can go that route.”
Sharpe and Lewis had always been close, even publicly roasting one another while they were teammates.
Sharpe, a Hall of Famer like Lewis, played 14 seasons in the NFL, 12 of which came with the Broncos. He finished his career with 815 receptions, 10,060 yards, 62 touchdowns, eight Pro Bowl trips, three First Team All-Pro selections, and two Super Bowl wins, one in Denver.
Ray Lewis: Shannon Sharpe, Others Promoting ‘Ignorance’
GettyRay Lewis (L) and Shannon Sharpe (R) of the Baltimore Ravens celebrate after the AFC Championship Playoffs against the Oakland Raiders.
Lewis, whose own career was marred by double homicide charges stemming from a stabbing during his Super Bowl run with the Ravens in January 2000 (between Sharpe’s Broncos stints) and performance-enhancing substance use, is an ordained minister and motivational speaker.
His basis for splitting personally with Sharpe is deeply rooted in that faith and vocation.
Lewis said, “That route is to become so worldly that you become popular because you’re talking about ignorance.”
He added that he is trying to “teach people what does it mean to be a better man, or get back to the kingdom [of Heaven],” not engage in “gossip conversations.” Sharpe has been in the news amid rape accusations from a former girlfriend and his exit from his role as an ESPN personality.
Sharpe still has his popular “Club Shay Shay” and “The Nightcap” podcasts.
“A lot of times, and a lot a lot of the guys get in trouble with these podcasts and things, man, because everybody wants to follow, or everybody wants to be popular. Everybody wants to make money, but that’s a tight rope into what you call influence and popularity, right? And the devil has the ability to make you popular. God has the ability to give you influence that when people see you, they see an image of him,” Lewis said.
“That’s the thing for me that started to switch with not just Shannon, but just a couple of people. I’m like, ‘Wow, you would switch out like that? Really?’ And I would never, ever. Why? Because of the respect that I have for my mother, my daughters, my granddaughter’s life. Period.”
Sharpe settled his rape case out of court, in which the plaintiff initially sought $50 million in damages from the former Broncos playmaker, but no financial details were disclosed.
Ray Lewis Staying in Own Lane
Lewis noted the influx of podcasters like Sharpe, whom the Broncos drafted in the seventh round of the 1990 draft. Lewis decried the lack of internal reflection from the hosts of those programs.
“I think men given these new platforms, we’ve overrode what the platform is actually for. The platform is supposed to help somebody find a new direction. We don’t help. Everybody just gets on. Everybody’s talking now, everybody got a podcast, everybody is the new marriage coach, everybody’s the new relationship coach, and ain’t nobody coaching themselves,” Lewis said.
“If you were coaching yourself, when it says ‘power of life and death is found in the tongue,’ then go back and check out a couple of episodes and ask yourself, ‘Do you give life or do you give death?’ And that’s why me, personally? Yeah, I kind of do my own thing, stay in my own lane.”
Sharpe, once dynamic on the field for the Broncos and Ravens, has become polarizing off it.
Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld’s Life-Changing Decision: Adopting an Orphaned Child from the Texas Hill Country Floods
In an unexpected turn of events that has captured the hearts of millions, NFL star Josh Allen and his fiancée, actress Hailee Steinfeld, have stunned the world with a decision that transcends fame and fortune. Known for his dominance on the field and her powerful presence in Hollywood, the couple has come together to make a decision that has touched the lives of many, showcasing the true meaning of compassion.
In early July, the Texas Hill Country was devastated by a catastrophic flood that claimed numerous lives and left many children orphaned. Among the countless tragedies, one story stood out: a 6-year-old girl who lost both of her parents in the disaster. As the heartbreaking reality of the flood’s aftermath spread, no one could have predicted that two of the biggest names in sports and entertainment would be the ones to offer her a new beginning.
Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld: A Powerful Duo of Compassion
Josh Allen, the quarterback sensation of the Buffalo Bills, and his fiancée Hailee Steinfeld, an acclaimed actress and singer, have both been admired for their work on and off the screen. But this latest act of kindness has brought their legacy to new heights. The couple, moved by the tragedy, decided to fly to Texas to adopt the orphaned girl, offering her the promise of a new life full of love and support.
The decision came after hearing about the young girl’s devastating loss through a local charity. Without any hesitation, Allen and Steinfeld knew that they had the resources and the heart to provide a safe home for her. This wasn’t just about adoption—it was about giving the child the chance to heal, grow, and find a sense of family amidst the chaos.
A Journey of Love and Commitment
The moment Josh and Hailee met the little girl, their hearts melted. Despite the unimaginable loss she had endured, the child displayed remarkable resilience, a quality that deeply resonated with the couple. In a private, tear-filled meeting, Josh and Hailee made it clear that they were ready to provide her with the unconditional love she deserved.
“We knew from the moment we heard her story that we couldn’t sit by,” Josh Allen said, reflecting on the decision. “This little girl deserves a future filled with love, security, and all the opportunities she never thought possible. Hailee and I are honored to be able to give her that.”
Hailee Steinfeld echoed Josh’s sentiments, adding, “This isn’t just about what we can give her—this is about making sure she knows she is cherished, that she belongs, and that she will never have to face the world alone again.”
The couple quickly worked through the necessary legalities and adoption processes, ensuring that the transition was as smooth and comforting as possible for the young girl. Their determination and commitment were evident in every step they took.
A Legacy Built on Kindness
News of Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld’s adoption decision has resonated far beyond the sports and entertainment worlds. Fans, friends, and fellow celebrities have praised the couple for their profound act of kindness. In a world where so many are quick to judge athletes and entertainers for their fame and wealth, Josh and Hailee have proven that true greatness lies in the ability to make a difference in the lives of others.
“Josh and Hailee have always been admired for their work, but this is the type of legacy that will be remembered long after they retire from their respective careers,” said sports journalist Laura Spencer. “They’ve shown us that being a hero is not just about what you do on a field or a screen—it’s about stepping up when others need you the most.”
The Allens’ New Chapter
For Josh and Hailee, this adoption marks a new chapter in their lives. With their hearts full, they are excited to welcome the young girl into their family. The decision to adopt has only deepened their bond as a couple and solidified their shared commitment to making a difference.
“We didn’t do this for the recognition, we did it because it’s the right thing to do,” Hailee said. “This child has brought so much joy into our lives already, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.”
As they embark on this new journey together, Josh and Hailee have shown that their success is not measured in touchdowns or awards, but in the lives they touch along the way. Their decision to adopt has not only given a child a second chance at life—it has also reminded us all that love, compassion, and family are the most powerful forces in the world.
