One of the greatest injustices in NFL history has finally been set right. Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Sterling Sharpe has been voted for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year.
Unfortunately, his former coach in Green Bay, Mike Holmgren, did not receive the 80% of votes necessary for induction. With six-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick eligible for induction next year, it is not likely that the 76-year-old former Packers coach will get in next year either.
Hopefully, Hall of Fame voters do not waste as much time getting him inducted as they did Sharpe.
Green Bay Packers Legend Sterling Sharpe Belongs in the Hall of Fame
The Packers made Sharpe the seventh overall pick in the 1988 NFL Draft, making him one of the first superstars on the team who helped turn the franchise around. He made an immediate impact on the team, setting the franchise record for receptions by a rookie (55), which stood until 2023 when Jayden Reed had 64.
In 1989, Sharpe led the NFL in receptions for the first time (90) and had his first 1,000-yard season (1,423) to go with 12 touchdowns. He made the first of his five Pro Bowls and was named First Team All-Pro for the first time.
The following season, he made the Pro Bowl again with 67 receptions, 1,105 yards, and six touchdowns. Following a “down” year in 1991 that saw him catch 69 passes for 961 yards and four touchdowns, the Packers went out and got a new quarterback, who also helped change the organization’s fortunes.
1992, his first year teamed up with Brett Favre, saw Sharpe catch 108 passes for 1,461 yards, and 13 touchdowns. He led the NFL in all three categories, winning the coveted wide receiver Triple Crown while making the Pro Bowl again and earning his second First Team All-Pro nod. Sharpe also finished fourth in NFL MVP voting that season.
In 1993, he was a Pro Bowler and First Team All-Pro again, catching 112 passes (led the NFL) for 1,274 yards and 11 touchdowns.
1994, his final season, saw him catch 94 passes for 1,119 yards and a league-leading 18 touchdowns (a franchise record he shares with Davante Adams).
Unfortunately, a neck injury discovered after the season forced him to retire far too soon. Had he been able to play longer, Sharpe would have undoubtedly been inducted into the Hall of Fame years ago. He never missed a game in seven seasons and was consistently one of the top three wide receivers in the NFL during his prime.
Green Bay Packers Fans React to Sterling Sharpe Getting Voted into the Hall of Fame
For many fans who grew up in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, Sharpe was the first superstar player they got to watch play for the Packers. For them, this news has been a long time coming:
IT’S ABOUT DANG TIME! https://t.co/fBXwcBmOka
— Matt Mamba (@MattMamba24) February 7, 2025
One of the greatest football players I’ve ever seen with my own two eyes. It’s about damn time. https://t.co/YfUzP63P7S
— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) February 7, 2025
I’m so fricken happy. My first ever favorite player. Sterling Sharpe is finally in the Hall. It’s about time. https://t.co/ROo2BDAoff
— Greg Meinholz 🧀 (@gmeinholz) February 7, 2025
STERLING SHARPE IS HEADED TO CANTON!
Sterling put up MONSTER numbers in his 7 seasons:
• 595 catches
• 8134 yards
• 65 TD’s
• Started 112/112 games
• 5X Pro-Bowler
• 3X All-Pro& now, NFL Hall of Famer. 👏@Thro284 | #GoPackGo
— GBP Daily – Rob Westerman lll (@GBPdaily) February 7, 2025
I’m glad Sterling Sharpe made it.
Mike Holmgren not making it is a joke.
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) February 7, 2025
With his induction this summer, Sterling will join his brother, Shannon Sharpe, in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Since former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning did not make it this year, the Sharpe’s become the first pair of brothers ever to both be Pro Football Hall of Fame players.
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