Shannon Sharpe is not closing the door on a return to ESPN, even after one of the most turbulent stretches of his media career. The Pro Football Hall of Famer said this week to Front Office Sports that he would welcome another opportunity to reunite with ESPN and longtime on-air foil Stephen A. Smith if network executives decide the timing is right.
Sharpe emphasized that any reunion would be out of his hands but made it clear his interest remains strong. He pointed to the continued growth of his digital platforms as evidence that his audience has remained engaged and loyal despite recent controversy.
“That’s not my call. I would love to go back if they were to call. Burke [Magnus], Jimmy [Pitaro], Dave Roberts. That is their call. But obviously, I’m more than willing, I’m more than capable, “ Sharpe said.
After departing Undisputed on FS1 in 2023 following a highly publicized split with Skip Bayless, Sharpe joined Smith on First Take in a part-time role the following year. In mid-2024, he signed a multi-year extension that elevated his standing within the network while also allowing him to expand his independent media ventures, including Club Shay Shay and Nightcap.
By early 2025, Sharpe was fielding interest in Shay Shay Media as his distribution agreement with The Volume, founded by Colin Cowherd, neared its conclusion. Industry speculation suggested Sharpe could command a deal comparable to other top podcast entrepreneurs.
Those plans unraveled last spring when Sharpe became embroiled in a highly publicized lawsuit that ultimately led to his departure from ESPN. Although the matter was settled, the fallout effectively ended his time at the network.
Even so, Sharpe said his relationship with Smith never wavered. He told FOS the First Take host for offering consistent personal support and maintaining frequent communication during the aftermath.
Since then, he said viewership for Club Shay Shay and Nightcap increased throughout the 2025 NFL season, including a rise in live-episode engagement. For now, Sharpe says he remains focused on building independently while staying open to what comes next. Whether that path leads back to ESPN remains uncertain, but his presence in sports media shows no sign of fading.
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