Monday’s episode of ESPN’s “First Take” saw sparks fly when former NFL players and current analysts Dan Orlovsky and Shannon Sharpe got into a heated debate over Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
Chase made history in the 2024 season, securing the NFL’s prestigious Triple Crown by leading the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. While Chase’s greatness was undeniable, the Bengals’ failure to make the playoffs became the focus of a fiery exchange between Orlovsky and Sharpe.
Dan Orlovsky, Shannon Sharpe’s Ja’Marr Chase Heated Debate on ESPN’s ‘First Take’
Sharpe started the debate by asking a question designed to spotlight the rarity (and frustration) of Chase’s accomplishment on a non-playoff team:
“Can you tell us when the last time a Triple-Crown winner, since the merger, hadn’t made the playoffs?”
It was a rhetorical dagger highlighting Cincinnati’s inability to capitalize on Chase’s historic season. Sharpe’s point? Greatness like Chase’s shouldn’t be wasted on a team that fails to contend in January.
But Orlovsky didn’t miss a beat, quickly shooting back with:
“Your brother.”
Oh my god @danorlovsky7 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/LR0rwPdORO
— Andrew (@WhoDeyDad_) January 6, 2025
That mic-drop moment brought the conversation to a screeching halt, flustering a normally unflappable Sharpe.
Orlovsky was, of course, referring to Green Bay Packers legend Sterling Sharpe, Shannon’s older brother. The wide receiver was a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro in Green Bay. A neck injury, unfortunately, cut Sharpe’s career painfully short, forcing him to retire in 1994 after just seven seasons.
The Triple Crown season in which Orlovsky cooked analyst Sharpe came in 1992.
Chase vs. Sterling Sharpe: A Tale of 2 Triple Crowns
The similarities between Chase’s and Sharpe’s campaigns are striking. Both players carried their offenses, consistently delivering game-changing performances despite their teams falling short of playoff expectations. Like Cincinnati, Green Bay narrowly missed the playoffs with a 9-7 record despite winning six of its last seven games.
In a 16-game NFL season, Sharpe contributed 108 receptions, 1,461 yards, and 13 touchdowns, earning his third Pro Bowl and second All-Pro nod.
Chase’s numbers this year were equally jaw-dropping: 127 receptions, 1,708 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns. His ability to dominate against double coverage, haul in contested catches, and deliver in clutch moments made him one of the most exciting players in the league. But like Sharpe, Chase faced challenges beyond his control.
The Bengals dealt with injuries to key players, inconsistent offensive line play, and a defense that struggled to close games. Despite Chase’s heroics and the Bengals winning five of their last six, Cincinnati finished the season third in the AFC North at 9-8.
The Debate: Individual Greatness vs. Team Success
At its core, the Orlovsky-Sharpe debate wasn’t just about Chase or Sterling. It was a broader conversation about the value of individual achievements in a team sport.
Orlovsky’s frustration stemmed from the idea that such historic performances should translate into team success. Meanwhile, Sharpe’s response highlighted the unfairness of blaming a singular player for the shortcomings of an entire roster.
Sharpe’s passionate defense of his brother also underscored a deeper point: Greatness doesn’t always come with a playoff berth. Sometimes, the NFL’s most incredible stories are those of players who shine despite their team’s struggles.
Legacy and Reflection on NFL Greatness
Chase’s Triple Crown season will be remembered as one of the greatest individual campaigns in NFL history, regardless of the Bengals’ playoff absence. Much like Sharpe’s own Triple Crown season, it serves as a reminder that football is the ultimate team sport, where even the most transcendent talents can only do so much on their own.
The fiery “First Take” debate gave fans a lot to think about, from Chase’s place in NFL history to Sharpe’s enduring legacy. And while Orlovsky and Sharpe may never see eye-to-eye on the significance of Chase’s season, one thing is clear: Both Chase and Sterling Sharpe belong in the conversation when discussing the greatest wide receivers of all time.