Shannon Sharpe, a legendary tight end in the NFL, is known for his dominance on the football field, but at 56 years old, his physical capabilities have changed significantly. In a recent conversation with Chad Johnson on their “Nightcap” show, Sharpe was asked about his chances in a hypothetical one-on-one basketball game against Caitlin Clark, a rising star in the WNBA. Sharpe, always known for his humor, didn’t hold back in admitting that he couldn’t compete with the young guard.
Sharpe’s response was both humorous and brutally honest. He joked that his knees were in such bad shape that he’d need to be wheeled around in a wheelchair to play. “I haven’t ran or done anything in years,” he confessed. Sharpe further explained that even simple activities like squatting left him with sore knees that required ice, so the idea of running up and down a basketball court was out of the question. His quip that he could barely beat someone who has been dead for decades, Roy Clark, left everyone laughing, further emphasizing the physical toll aging has taken on him.
Continuing with his self-deprecating humor, Sharpe revealed that he would likely only last five minutes in a game before his back started to tighten up. He also mentioned that he hadn’t dribbled a basketball in nearly 30 years and hadn’t run since 2009. With a knee replacement likely on the horizon, Sharpe’s playful admission of his physical decline was a clear indicator that he knew better than to challenge Caitlin Clark to a game.
At just 22 years old, Caitlin Clark has already made a massive impact in the WNBA. She was named Rookie of the Year and earned a spot in the All-Star Game in her very first season. As a guard for the Indiana Fever, Clark averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game, ranking her as one of the top players in the league. Given Clark’s impressive athleticism and agility, it’s understandable why Sharpe would feel that facing off against her would be impossible.
In the end, Sharpe’s response was both a humorous acknowledgment of his physical limitations and a recognition of Clark’s exceptional talent. While Sharpe might have been one of the greatest athletes of his time, even he understands that age and physical decline are factors that no one can escape.
