Shannon Sharpe is hoping for an (unlikely) second chance from ESPN.
The Pro Football Hall of Famer Sharpe was interviewed this week by Front Office Sports. During the interview, Sharpe said that he would like to return to ESPN after he was fired last summer.
In his remarks, Sharpe said he was “willing” and “more than capable.” He also cited the success of his podcasts.
“That’s not my call, [but] I would love to go back if they were to call,” Sharpe said of ESPN. “Burke [Magnus], Jimmy [Pitaro], Dave Roberts. That is their call. But obviously, I’m more than willing, I’m more than capable. They see what we do here on ‘Nightcap.’ They see the numbers that we generate.
“’Club Shay Shay’ was in the Top 10 this weekend on YouTube,” added Sharpe. “Both of our shows are normally in the Top 20. Very few people can say they have a Top 20 show. We normally, customarily have two shows in the Top 20 on YouTube. So clearly, I still have a fan base. I still have a big following. If a reunion is in order, I’m amenable to it.”
The 57-year-old Sharpe joined ESPN in 2023 after he left FOX Sports. But Sharpe, who appeared on “First Take” and other TV programs, was fired by ESPN in July 2025 after settling a lawsuit in which OnlyFans model Gabriella Zuniga accused Sharpe of sexual misconduct. Zuniga later went on to retire from OnlyFans after settling the lawsuit with Sharpe.
Sharpe said a few months ago that he was “at peace” with ESPN’s decision to fire him amid all of the negative publicity. But now Sharpe is hoping for a longshot chance of being rehired by The Worldwide Leader in 2026.
