National Football League (NFL) history was made last week on February 6, 2025, when it was announced that Sterling Sharpe will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Sterling will be joining his brother, Shannon, who was inducted back in 2011. The Sharpes became the first set of brothers to ever be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. For Sterling Sharpe, the honor was long overdue.

Sterling had a stellar seven-year career in Green Bay. During his seven seasons in the league, he was named three-time first team All-Pro and a five-time Pro-bowler. He had 595 receptions, 8,134 yards, (13.7 avg.), and 65 touchdowns. Sterling led the league in receptions three times, including his historic 1992 campaign, during which he paced all pass catchers in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. His NFL career was cut short by a neck injury.

Sterling Sharpe also becomes the first Gamecock to enter the NFL Hall of Fame. He finished his outstanding college career as South Carolina’s all-time leading receiver with 169 catches, 2,497 yards, and 17 touchdowns. Sterling was a two-time All-American and had his No. 2 jersey retired following the 1987 season.

Sterling was drafted in the first round of the 1989 NFL draft and the seventh overall pick by the Green Bay Packers. But before then, his starred at Glennville High School where he excelled in football, basketball, and track under the tutelage of Coach William Hall. William Hall (The Living Legend) is a member of the Georgia Athletic Coaches for track, and has now become the first high school coach to have mentored and coached two NFL Hall of Famers from the same high school.

Both Sterling and Shannon were raised in Glennville by their grandparents, the late Mary Porter (who died in 2011) and Barney Porter (who died in 1977).

Shannon stated that Sterling paved the way for him, and he really looked up to him growing up, and he set a great example of how he should conduct himself. It was only fitting that Shannon delivered the good news personally to his brother of being inducted.

The NFL has scheduled the enshrinement for the Class of 2025 to be held on August 2, 2025, in Canon, Ohio. Joining Sterling Sharpe in this year’s class are Eric Allen, corner back; Jared Allen, defensive end; and Antonio Gates, tight end.