Shannon Sharpe shares emotional goodbye speech on 'Undisputed'
Shannon Sharpe made his exit today from FS1’s “Undisputed.” However, before the show ended, the 54-year-old TV personality left fans with a message.
“Fans that made all this possible, you embraced me and allowed me to become your favorite TV uncle, and for that, I’m forever grateful,” Sharpe said. “You rock with me when you know very little about Shannon Sharpe, the guy that could come on here and talk. Hopefully, you found me entertaining. Hopefully, you found me educational. Hopefully, I found all the things that you looked for when you came and tuned in and watched me and this man for seven years.”
The man Sharpe is referring to is co-host Skip Bayless. Sharpe began his time working with Bayless in 2016, when “Undisputed” premiered. Prior to that, Sharpe was a commentator of “The NFL Today” and a columnist for “Men” magazine.
Sharpe and Bayless’ partnership peaked in November 2022, when “Undisputed” was averaging over 300,000 viewers. Despite the pair’s success, they’ve had their fair share of arguments.
The two beefed in January over Damar Hamlin’s injury, when Sharpe took exception to Bayless’ hardened approach to the subject. More recently, Sharpe liked a tweet that seemingly jabbed at Bayless.
“Shannon Sharpe has outgrown Skip Bayless. He is far superior. He has a wonderfully bright future ahead. Bayless, meanwhile, won’t find another partner. His career will nosedive because he is a piece of sh*t,” the tweet read.
Despite Sharpe and Bayless’ past, the NFL Hall of Fame member gave Bayless nothing but thanks in his farewell speech.
“You fought for me, bro. I’m here because of you. You allowed me to share the stage with, you allowed me to share the platform,” Sharpe said with tears in his eyes. “The opportunity you gave me to to become what I became, I’m forever indebted to you. I’ll never forget what you did for me.”
On May 31, it was announced Sharpe and Fox Sports had reached a buyout, allowing Sharpe to move on. As of now, Sharpe’s future is uncertain. Although, judging from a recent tweet from Sharpe, he might have some options in motion.
“Stay tuned for the seeds I’m planting,” Sharpe wrote.
Before the former Bronco tight end signed off one last time, he delivered a final message to Bayless.
“All I ask is when you lay your head on that pillow at night, know I gave everything I had.”
Bayless responded with two words.
“You did.”