Stephen A. Smith Addresses ESPN’s Reported Interest in Shannon Sharpe for ‘First Take’

The ‘First Take’ host gave insight into the company’s rumored pursuit of the Hall of Famer.

Over the past month, Stephen A. Smith has made his stance on adding Shannon Sharpe to First Take clear, with the longtime ESPN personality publicly backing the idea of teaming up with the NFL Hall of Famer and former FS1 host.

On Friday, Smith addressed a recent report regarding Sharpe, who left FS1’s Undisputed in June, speaking to ESPN about coming on as a contributor. And, as he so often as in his career, Smith gleefully discussed the topic after confirming talks remain ongoing.

“I’m not going to tell you that’s true, I’m not going to tell you it’s not either,” Smith said in a clip from Friday’s edition of his Stephen A. Smith Podcast. “What I can tell you is that the honchos are talking to Shannon Sharpe. What I can tell you is that the honchos are fully aware that Stephen A. Smith wants Shannon Sharpe on First Take. … and I aim to get him.”

Smith went on to say that, while he’s firmly in favor of the epic team-up, only time will tell if Sharpe decides to join ESPN. Still, that didn’t stop Smith from loudly and proudly stating he’s “very hopeful” and “very confident” Sharpe will eventually bring his unique style to First Take.

“Anything can happen now, I have bosses,” Smith continued. “But, damn it, Shannon, Club Shay Shay, and anything else, I don’t give a damn if he brings a bottle of Hennessy with him, I want him on First Take.”

The man @ShannonSharpe can pull up with a bottle of Hennessy for all I care.

I want him on First Take pic.twitter.com/FdL78bnGps

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 21, 2023

With Sharpe reportedly eyeing a decision on his TV future in August, Smith and fans intrigued by the potentially legendary pairing won’t have to wait too much longer to see if that dream finally comes true.