Denver Broncos: 30 greatest players of all time

Shannon Sharpe was an excellent find by the Broncos in the 1990 NFL Draft. His career took off very slow, as he caught just seven passes for 99 yards and one touchdown in 16 games his rookie year.

Despite his poor rookie season, his career took off and he got better each year he was in the league. At the time of his retirement after the 2003 season, Sharpe was tied for first among tight ends with thirteen receptions in one game. He also ranked No. 1 all-time in receptions (815), yards (10,060), and touchdowns (62) at the time of his retirement.

Sharpe was a four-time first-team All-Pro, including seven years in a row, starting in 1992. He won three Super Bowls in his 14-year career (two with the Broncos, one with the Ravens). He also joined players around the league at the annual Pro Bowl eight times.

With all of his accomplishments during his time in the NFL, it was obvious that he was destined to be a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Sharpe was very vocal while in the league. He was a trash talker. Sometimes, he even made his offensive line teammates think, “dude, shut up!”

One of his teammates had this to say about him:

"“When you least expected it, as he called himself — ‘Big Game James’ – was going to get you.” He’d find a way to make a big catch, get a first down and keep the sticks moving. He used to always say, ‘If we move the sticks, we’ll get six.’ He was the master at that.” – Rod Smith, former Denver Broncos wide receiver"

– GT