South Carolina football legend could finally make Pro Football Hall of Fame
This week, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced five finalists for election into the Hall from the coach, contributor, and senior categories. Of the five finalists, only a maximum of three (and only ones who receive 80% of the total votes) will be enshrined. If none earn 80%, the Hall will induct the highest vote-getter. On the list of five finalists is South Carolina football legend Sterling Sharpe.
Earlier this year, former Gamecock quarterback and NFL coaching great Dan Reeves and sack artist John Abraham did not advance further than the semifinalist portion of the Hall of Fame process in the coaches and modern players voting, respectively.
Sharpe will compete for votes with fellow seniors Maxie Baughan and Jim Tyrer, coach Mike Holmgren, and contributor (owner) Ralph Hay.
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Sharpe was one of the best couple of receivers in the world in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Tragically, his career was cut short by a neck injury after just seven seasons, all with the Green Bay Packers. However, even with an abbreviated career, Sharpe is worthy of Hall of Fame induction.
In seven years as a pro, Sharpe made five Pro Bowls and posted five 1000-yard campaigns. He was one of just three receivers, along with Jerry Rice and Henry Ellard, to do so during that stretch.
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Sharpe also led the NFL in receptions three times, touchdown catches twice, and yardage once. He won the receiving triple crown in 1992 with 108 receptions, 1461 yards, and 13 touchdowns. Only four other players during the Super Bowl era have won the receiving triple crown.
His 108 grabs in ’92 set a then-NFL record; he beat that number with 112 in 1993. Then, in what proved to be his final season in 1994, he caught 18 touchdown passes. Only two receivers have ever posted more receiving scores in a single season, Jerry Rice in 1987 and Randy Moss in 2007.
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During his South Carolina football career, Sharpe was a two-time All-American. When he left the program, he owned the majority of the Gamecocks’ receiving records. Upon being a 1st-round pick in the 1988 NFL Draft (Troy Williamson and Xavier Legette later joined him as 1st-round Gamecock receivers), #2 was USC’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and 100-yard performances. Sharpe also was one of just a few Gamecocks ever to return a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown.
Rewarding his excellence, the University of South Carolina retired his jersey while he was still active with the team. The College Football Hall of Fame enshrined Sharpe in 2014.
