ESPN's 'First Take' Headed To HBCU Homecomings

First Take will broadcast live from the co-hosts' alma maters during their homecoming festivities.

Kyle T. Mosley | Oct 23, 2023

Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe, co-hosts of First Take, will bring their popular sports talk show to Winston-Salem State and Savannah State, respectively. It will be a nostalgic trip down memory lane for the two HBCU alums and fellow co-host Molly Qerim. "On Monday, November 6, First Take will be live from Savannah State University at Shannon's alma mater," Smith said. "They will show us how the Tigers get down."

Sharpe was a three-time All-SIAC star at Savannah State until the Denver Broncos drafted him as the 192nd overall pick in the seventh round of the 1990 NFL Draft. After thirteen seasons, Sharpe won three Super Bowl rings (Denver-2, Baltimore-1), and was inducted in the Black College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"Thank you, Stephen A. Smith, for making this happen," Sharpe remarked. "Because you said, 'Big boy, what you think if we do an HBCU tour.' Go to Savannah State, and then we take the show on the road."

Smith continued, "But the excitement doesn't stop there! Then, on Tuesday, November 7th, we're taking the show to my alma mater, Winston-Salem State University, where the Rams will be sure to represent!

Before Stephen A. Smith graduated from Winston-Salem State in 1991, he played college basketball under the great coach Clarence "Big House" Gaines Sr.

Last season, ESPN's College Game Day visited Jackson State University when Deion Sanders was still the head coach of the Tigers football team. Smith and Sharpe hope to make their trips to HBCU Homecomings an annual event. "HBCUs, you know what it means to me. I'm the ambassador for HBCU Week. It's always about bringing attention and giving a higher profile to historically black colleges and universities. That's what it's all about. That's ultimately the mission," Smith concluded.

Published Oct 23, 2023

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: