Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Sterling Sharpe is one of the greatest players at his position in franchise history. More than that, he was one of the best wide receivers in the NFL during the years in which he played, which have been, up this point, too few to warrant induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In seven seasons with the Packers, Sharpe had 595 receptions for 8,134 yards and 65 touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl five times in those seven seasons, and was a First Team All-Pro three times.
Additionally, Sharpe led the NFL in receptions in a season three times, receiving yards, once, and receiving touchdowns twice. In 1992, he won the wide receiver’s Triple Crown, leading the NFL in all three categories (108 receptions for 1,461 yards and 13 touchdowns).
Unfortunately, Sharpe’s career was cut short due to a neck injury he suffered in the final game of the 1994 season. He finished his career having started and played in 112 out of a possible 112 games and led the NFL in touchdown receptions in his final year.
Former Green Bay Packers Wide Receiver Sterling Sharpe Is a Senior Finalist for the Hall of Fame
For years, multiple former Packers players, coaches, and executives have advocated for Sharpe to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. While he has consistently made it to the level of being a semi-finalist with the Hall’s senior committee, he has never been named a finalist.
Until this year.
It was reported today that Sharpe has finally broken through as one of the three finalists the senior committee will vote on for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2025. All he needs is for 80% of the committee to vote “Yes” and he will take his rightful spot in Canton.
Former Packers head coach Mike Holmgren is also up for a vote as the coaching finalist for the senior committee to consider:
The Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists for 2025:
Coach Mike Holmgren
Seniors:
Sterling Sharpe
Maxie Baughan
Jim TyrerContributor:
NFL Co-Founder Ralph Hay (as I previously reported, Robert Kraft was snubbed)3 of 5 who get 80 percent or more votes will be inducted
— Don Van Natta Jr. (@DVNJr) December 3, 2024
As one can see from the voting rules, this is not a “done deal” for Sharpe or Holmgren. However, they are closer than they ever have been to being inducted.
Former Vikings Wide Receiver Cris Carter Calls on Voters to Induct Sterling Sharpe
When news of Sharpe finally being a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame broke, current Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter posted the following:
Sterling Sharpe , stop playing https://t.co/yaS34RzQu3
— Cris Carter (@criscarter80) December 3, 2024
As one can see, the former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver believes voters need to “Stop playing” and get Sharpe into the Hall.
And he is right.
It has been far too long of a wait for the former Packers wide receiver. It is time for voters to do the right thing.
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