History was made Thursday night as Sterling Sharpe was officially announced as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025, marking a unique milestone for the Sharpe family.
Before the news was broadcast to the world, former NFL Hall of Fame tight end and Sterling’s younger brother Shannon delivered the revelation in a heartwarming, unscripted moment at his brother’s home.
Shannon Sharpe Breaks Hall of Fame Induction News to Brother Sterling
The induction of Sterling, the older brother, makes them the first siblings ever to be enshrined together in Canton. Wearing his gold jacket, Shannon found Sterling in his basement, capturing an emotional exchange.
“Welcome bro,” Shannon greeted, and Sterling, taken aback, simply replied, “To your house?” as cameras rolled. “To the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2025,” replied Shannon.
He joins Shannon, who famously declared in his 2011 induction speech that he was the second-best player in his family behind his big brother.
Sterling was overwhelmed by the news, and nearly lost his composure. “This is something, man. Oh, wow. I need a seat — and a drink. Shan, this is crazy,” he admitted.
“I felt like that when you went in, and, you know I’m not a crier, but when you said that you were in and that weekend in Canton, man, ain’t nothing topping that,” Sterling said, reminiscing when Shannon was inducted into the HOF in 2011. Brimming with pride, Shannon replied, “This tops it.”
I love this: Here’s the incredible video of Shannon Sharpe surprising his brother Sterling with the news that he’s headed to the Hall of Fame.
For the first time ever, two brothers are in the Hall together. What a moment.
(🎥 @ProFootballHOF @CBSSports) pic.twitter.com/K6mYVkBsqk
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 7, 2025
Sterling was on Shannon’s podcast, “The Nightcap,” later in the day. “I don’t think that has really set in yet,” Sterling said. “It’s one of those situations where the closer it gets to having the same color jacket he has and standing in the same place he stood and being able to have a conversation about the journey to get there, I think it will set in. But right now it hasn’t hit home yet.”
A neck injury shortened Sterling’s career, but after playing seven seasons for the Green Bay Packers, he racked up 595 receptions, 8,134 yards, and 65 touchdowns. He won the receiving triple crown in 1992 and led the league in catches in ’89, ’92, and ’93.
Also read: Who Made the Hall of Fame 2025 Class? 4 Legendary Names Join the Ranks
Now, as Sterling joins him in Canton, their combined legacy is set to become a permanent part of NFL history. As they prepare to have their busts displayed side by side, Shannon’s words echo through the halls of the Hall of Fame: “All those nights in that home, all those prayers… this is the proudest moment in my life.”