Shannon Sharpe may have had a Hall of Fame NFL career, but even legends make costly mistakes. The former Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens tight end opened up about a major financial blunder that cost him billions.
Shannon Sharpe Admits to Financial Mistake
During an episode of his popular “Club Shay Shay” podcast, Sharpe revealed to guest Mark Cuban that he passed on an opportunity to invest in Google — an error that still haunts him.
Sharpe explained how, back in the early 2000s, he had the chance to buy $300,000 worth of Google stock. Talking to Cuban, owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, Sharpe said:
“I remember saying to my financial guys, and I’m like, ‘You know what? I had just signed with the Ravens, so I had some money, and I was like, Man, I like to buy, you know, $300,000 worth [of Google’s shares].’ Well, it opens up at $115, and he says it’s overpriced.
“I f***ed up bad. I would’ve been a billionaire with you… but I let somebody talk me out of it. That motherf*****!”
.@ShannonSharpe: I had just signed with the Ravens, so I had some money. I'm like, 'Man, I would like to buy $300K worth [of Google stock].' My financial guy said it's overpriced.@mcuban: It's worth over $3 Trillion now!@ShannonSharpe: I would've been a billionaire with you! pic.twitter.com/WKpKo2glHG
— Club Shay Shay (@ClubShayShay) October 1, 2024
Listening to this, Cuban informed the former NFL star that the internet giant Google is worth $3 trillion. Sharpe had nothing in response and just shook his head. It didn’t stop there. Sharpe also admitted he missed out on investing in Netflix stock, too.
Even for a Hall of Famer, the memory of what could have been stings — a costly lesson in trusting your instincts. Nevertheless, the 56-year-old has built a successful post-football career in media with his podcast, FOX, and ESPN shows.
Sharpe’s Net Worth
Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Sharpe is a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and one of the best tight ends to grace the NFL landscape.
Sharpe’s net worth stands at an estimated $14 million as per Celebrity Net Worth. His wealth comes from both his time in the NFL and his post-football media career.
Playing for the Broncos and Ravens, Sharpe won three Super Bowl titles and was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, making him one of the most successful players of his generation.
Starting his NFL career with the Broncos in 1990 with a $258,500 contract, Sharpe pocketed roughly $22.3 million in salaries. He left Denver in 2000 after signing a $13.8 million contract with Baltimore for four years, only to make a U-turn back to the Broncos with a $16 million contract in 2002 (as per Spotrac).
After retiring in 2003, Sharpe transitioned into broadcasting and became a beloved sports analyst. He worked with CBS Sports and Fox Sports 1, co-hosting “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed,” before joining ESPN’s “First Take” in 2023.
Sharpe’s on-screen presence earned him an annual salary of approximately $3 million. He has also signed a long-term deal with ESPN earlier this year, helping boost his fortune further.
Besides the media roles for big sports and production houses, Sharpe hosts his podcast, “Club Shay Shay.” He has been endorsing brands like Reebok, Pepsi, and Pizza Hut since his playing days, contributing significantly to his overall net worth.