Joe Soriano
O.J. Lewis11/2011 Historical Player Profile: Sterling Sharpe
November 4th 2011 15:07
The brother of the second greatest tight end in NFL history- who was also recently inducted into the Hall of Fame, Sterling Sharpe was a talented NFL player in his own right. The wide receiver who was a first rounder out of South Carolina led the league in receptions three times during his brief career. Had he not suffered that neck/spinal injury, Sharpe would undoubtely be a Hall of Famer. As far as talent goes, Sterling Sharpe is one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history.
Over a seven year career, the Packers lifer was a four time Pro Bowler and three time 1st Team All-Pro. In '92, his 108 receptions broke the previous record for a single-season receptions total set by Art Monk. However, a year later, Sharpe bested that by recording 112 catches. In '92, Sharpe's career-high 1,461 receiving yards led the NFL (first time in his career). In fact, Sharpe won the Triple Crown of Receiving in 1992 as he also led the league with 13 touchdown receptions. The only player since then to accomplish this defeat was Steve Smith in his legendary 2005 season. Smith is like Sharpe, in that he is one of the most talented receivers of all-time; but he may never make it to the Hall of Fame.
Anyway, Sharpe's swan song was a memorable one in 1994. He made the Pro Bowl after hauling in 94 passes for 1,119 yards and a career-high 18 touchdown receptions. This led the league and is one of the highest totals in NFL history. A testament to Sharpe's ability, Pro Football Reference's similarity score for receivers throughout their first seven seasons has Hall of Famers James Lofton, Steve Largent, Raymond Berry (another former Tripe Crown receiver in 1959), and Bob Hayes as the four most similar players to him.
I could go on about how great Sterling Sharpe was statistically as a receiver, because the stats do tell the whole truth with him; he was a truly remarkable talent. One last statistical tidbit is that Sharpe has the longest streak of games with at least four catches (34). It's kind of sad how injuries derailed the career of easily one of the greatest receivers to every play the game.
I remember when Shannon Sharpe said, "I'm the only player, of 267 men that [have] walked through this building to my left, that can honestly say this: I'm the only pro football player that's in the Hall of Fame, and I'm the second best player in my own family."
And you know what? Shannon wasn't exaggerating, Sterling was that great of a player. It's hard to believe that Shannon's brother was better because of the tight end's great career with the Broncos, but it is true. Talent-wise, Sterling Sharpe was an even better player. I doubt he ever gets into the Hall of Fame, but he makes my Hall of Fame; even with only seven NFL seasons to his credit.
Over a seven year career, the Packers lifer was a four time Pro Bowler and three time 1st Team All-Pro. In '92, his 108 receptions broke the previous record for a single-season receptions total set by Art Monk. However, a year later, Sharpe bested that by recording 112 catches. In '92, Sharpe's career-high 1,461 receiving yards led the NFL (first time in his career). In fact, Sharpe won the Triple Crown of Receiving in 1992 as he also led the league with 13 touchdown receptions. The only player since then to accomplish this defeat was Steve Smith in his legendary 2005 season. Smith is like Sharpe, in that he is one of the most talented receivers of all-time; but he may never make it to the Hall of Fame.
Anyway, Sharpe's swan song was a memorable one in 1994. He made the Pro Bowl after hauling in 94 passes for 1,119 yards and a career-high 18 touchdown receptions. This led the league and is one of the highest totals in NFL history. A testament to Sharpe's ability, Pro Football Reference's similarity score for receivers throughout their first seven seasons has Hall of Famers James Lofton, Steve Largent, Raymond Berry (another former Tripe Crown receiver in 1959), and Bob Hayes as the four most similar players to him.
I could go on about how great Sterling Sharpe was statistically as a receiver, because the stats do tell the whole truth with him; he was a truly remarkable talent. One last statistical tidbit is that Sharpe has the longest streak of games with at least four catches (34). It's kind of sad how injuries derailed the career of easily one of the greatest receivers to every play the game.
I remember when Shannon Sharpe said, "I'm the only player, of 267 men that [have] walked through this building to my left, that can honestly say this: I'm the only pro football player that's in the Hall of Fame, and I'm the second best player in my own family."
And you know what? Shannon wasn't exaggerating, Sterling was that great of a player. It's hard to believe that Shannon's brother was better because of the tight end's great career with the Broncos, but it is true. Talent-wise, Sterling Sharpe was an even better player. I doubt he ever gets into the Hall of Fame, but he makes my Hall of Fame; even with only seven NFL seasons to his credit.
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