Shannon Sharpe to be recognized Sunday - Broncos Ring of Fame

At halftime of Sunday's 2009 home opener against Cleveland, Shannon Sharpe will take his rightful place among the organization's all-time greats when -- standing in front of Broncos Country -- he is honored as the 22nd inductee into the Broncos Ring of Fame.

While Sunday's ceremony will officially cement Sharpe into the Ring of Fame, the organization began celebrating No. 84's prolific career in orange and blue on Friday night. Surrounded by family and longtime friends alike, Sharpe was honored at the club's annual Alumni Reunion Dinner at INVESCO Field at Mile High.

"It's kind of hard to put into words," Sharpe said of the honor. "For the Broncos and Mr. Bowlen and the staff to think that my play on the field was worthy of this accomplishment, it's an unbelievable feeling. I'm humbled. I never imagined it, even in my wildest dreams."

A host of Broncos legends were on hand to pay tribute to Sharpe at the night's festivities. Eight Ring of Fame members -- Rich Jackson, Floyd Little, Billy Thompson, Haven Moses, Randy Gradishar, Karl Mecklenburg, Gary Zimmerman and Terrell Davis were present at the event to welcome Sharpe into the select group.

Sharpe's close personal friend, Rod Smith, was in attendance, as were three current members of the Broncos coaching staff. Assistant linebackers coach Keith Burns -- a former teammate of Sharpe's -- offensive line coach Rick Dennison and running backs coach Bobby Turner were all on hand for the evening dinner and presentation.

From start to finish, Friday's night's event was filled with class.

After a highlight video displaying key moments from Sharpe's illustrious career aired for the attendees, Broncos President and Chief Executive Officer Pat Bowlen took the podium, praising the accomplishments of Sharpe during his 12-year career with the Broncos.

"Nobody deserves this more than you do," Bowlen said. "You were the real deal and I can't tell you how much I appreciate what you did for the Denver Broncos and my family."

Sharpe took the stage next, quickly recalling his reaction when Bowlen called him in April and informed him he'd been selected to the organization's Ring of Fame.

"When you gave me that call in April, I was quiet on the phone and you said 'this doesn't sound like the Shannon I know;" Sharpe told Bowlen. "It was because I was speechless. Even in my wildest imagination as a little boy in Glennville, Georgia, going to Savannah State, could I imagine that my career would turn out like it has."

In a sincere and gracious tone, Sharpe spoke extensively about how appreciative he was to receive the prestigious recognition. As a player, he said he earned individual validation about his play by being selected to eight Pro Bowls. In terms of overall success at football's highest level, Sharpe said winning three Super Bowls was the "ultimate validation" for his career.

But never had he envisioned being honored after his career on the gridiron was complete, calling his Ring of Fame induction "icing on the cake" after all the Broncos organization has done for him since he was selected by the team in the seventh round of the 1990 NFL Draft.

"This is an unbelievable feeling," Sharpe said before walking off the stage to a standing ovation. "I'm so proud to be a Bronco and this is one of the best moments of my life. Mr. Bowlen, I'll never forget it."

FRIENDS PAY TRIBUTE

Broncos greats came out to recognize Sharpe on Friday night for good reason. Sharpe is credited with revolutionizing the tight end position. When he retired in 2003, he left the game as the NFL's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns by a tight end.

Well aware of Sharpe's accolades, Gary Zimmerman --- a 2008 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame -- said he was in attendance on Friday night to recognize Sharpe the person, not just the player.

"Shannon was a loyal teammate, he said. "He came into the locker room and entertained a lot of guys. "The o-line was pretty quiet and tight-lipped and Shannon always broke the ice."

While Sharpe has been well-known for his enthusiastic demeanor over the years, Zimmerman said people sometimes tend to forget how dedicated he was during his playing days.

"I think people don't realize the work ethic that he had," Zimmerman said. "If you'd seen him in the locker room - he had a chiseled body. He lifted weights like a lineman. He was probably one of the strongest guys on the team. And he was a very smart football player -- very bright.

Billy Thompson never played with Sharpe, but got to know him particularly well over the years, as his office at Dove Valley was directly across from the tight ends room. Thompson said the two formed a special bond during that time period and continue to have a strong relationship.

"I love him like a brother and he deserves this award," Thompson said.

True to their tight-knit relationship, Thompson and Sharpe both poked fun at each other on Friday night. Thompson said he has told Sharpe on numerous occasions that "if he was playing when I played, I would have shut him out."

Conversely, Sharpe had a message for Thompson, too.

"Billy Thompson, I just want you to know -- if you had played against me, there would be 21 members in the Ring of Fame," Sharpe joked.

RETURNING HOME

Sharpe said he is "anxious" for Sunday's ceremony because how well Broncos fans have treated him over the past two decades.

Due to his current role with CBS' NFL Today, Sharpe hasn't been able to return to Denver as much as he would have liked over the years, as his work schedule conflicts with Broncos games. But every time he does return to the Mile High City, he said he always feels right at home.

"It's always good to come back," Sharpe said. "The fans, they treat you so well when you come back. It's almost like I've never left."

Thompson said Sharpe was so well-liked among Broncos fans that Sunday's halftime atmosphere will without question make for a special moment.

"It will be electric," Thompson said.

Sharpe isn't quite sure what will race through his mind come Sunday, but he knows the occasion will bring a multitude of feelings.

"It's going to be emotional, I know it is," Sharpe said. "My mom is in town. My kids are coming. It's going to be an emotional feeling. How do you put it into words? How do you say thank you?"