Former Packers WR Sterling Sharpe is one step closer to entering the Hall of Fame

Good news for Green Bay Packers fans who enjoyed the Sterling Sharpe era: the legendary wide receiver just got one step closer to enshrinement in Canton.

Frequently — amongst fans, at least — the debate between which players deserve enshrinement in Canton and which do not is settled by a sardonic phrase: “it’s called the Hall of Fame, not the Hall of Pretty Good.”  When it comes to the case of legendary Green Bay Packers wide receiver Sterling Sharpe, the debate has never been settled, and frankly, that is downright disrespectful.

Sharpe, who was announced yesterday to have advanced into the semifinalist portion of the NFL Hall of Fame Seniors Committee consideration, is joined by 24 other eligible players who could receive a buff as a senior member in 2023. Each of these player’s careers ended no later than the 1996 season, and up to three can emerge as finalists to be voted into Canton. Any extra clarification on the selection process can be found here:

As far as Sterling Sharpe’s career goes, he may very well be the most underrated wide receiver in history.

Packers wideout Sterling Sharpe moves forward in Hall of Fame consideration

Over the span of a seven-year career from 1988 to 1994, which included five Pro Bowl selections and first-team All-Pro honors three times, Sharpe was second in all of football in receptions (595) and touchdowns (65) behind only the greatest of all time, Jerry Rice (620/91).

He holds the single-season records for receptions and touchdowns with the Packers, and is second all-time in team history for career receptions and touchdowns. No small feat when considering one of the most storied franchises in the history of the NFL.

Sharpe led the league in receptions in ‘89, ‘92, and ‘93. He was atop the league in receiving yards (1,461) and touchdowns (13) in 1992, and is third all-time for the highest single-season receiving touchdowns record (18), which he set in the final season of his career.

Unfortunately, due to circumstances outside of his control, Sterling Sharpe’s career was cut short. He suffered a neck injury in the final, historic season of his career that ended his days on the gridiron. His little brother, Shannon Sharpe, was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2011 and famously stated, “I am the only person in the Hall of Fame that can say I was the second best player in my family.”

While Shannon had a hell of a career himself, the potential of what could have come from Sterling’s career had it lasted just a bit longer could have reset even more history in the record books.

Ifs and buts do no good in the conversation surrounding Hall of Fame candidates. After all, it isn’t the Hall of Pretty Good. However, for what he accomplished in such a short period of time, Sterling Sharpe deserves an unquestioned spot in Canton.