South Carolina legend Sterling Sharpe adds another Hall of Fame honor

Earlier this year, South Carolina football legend Sterling Sharpe earned induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a long-awaited honor for one of the very best careers in NFL history, albeit one that was cut short by injury. This weekend, the former Gamecock added another Hall of Fame recognition to his resume.

The Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame inducted Sharpe as a member of the class of 2025. Other notable names from this year’s class include Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton, Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Walt Frazier, and Olympic sprinter Willie Gault.

Sharpe, a Glennville, Georgia native, was one of 33 players inducted. He will attend the 2026 ceremony and receive his blue jacket at that time. As a Pro Football Hall of Famer, like his younger brother Shannon, Sterling Sharpe was an automatic inductee in this year’s class.

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Sharpe played his prep ball at Glennville High School outside of Savannah, where he was an All-State performer. He joined the South Carolina Gamecocks ahead of the 1983 season and spent five years with the program.

Following two injury-riddled campaigns (including a redshirt), Sharpe became a star under head coach Joe Morrison. He was a two-time All-American in 1987 and 1988. In ’87, he logged over 1200 yards from scrimmage and 13 total touchdowns in 11 games.

Despite playing about 40 years ago, Sharpe’s name is all over the South Carolina football record books. He still remains in the top five all-time in receptions, yards, and receiving touchdowns. He is one of five players ever to register at least 10 receiving touchdowns in one season at Carolina. Sharpe led the Gamecocks in receiving in all three of his fully healthy seasons. He also is one of a small handful of players to return both a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown in garnet and black.

For his career, Sharpe logged 167 catches, 2497 yards, and 17 touchdowns. He also registered more than 200 yards rushing and five touchdowns on the ground. His 104-yard kickoff return touchdown against Duke is the longest play in program history.

In 2014, Sterling Sharpe earned his place in the College Football Hall of Fame. He is one of two former Gamecock players (along with George Rogers) in the hall and is the only one in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Former coaches Lou Holtz and Steve Spurrier are College Football Hall of Fame members, as well.

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