NBA fans are not accustomed to ESPN without Stephen A. Smith. Over the years, the analyst became the face of the sports broadcasting network. However, in his fabled career of over 20 years, the 55-year-old also faced a situation that cast a shadow upon his future. He recently recalled this very incident to explain a significant moment in television.

After a shocking wave of layoffs, Stephen A. Smith and Co. faced a horrifying reality. ESPN’s most renowned analysts experienced an unceremonious exit, leaving the analyst panel in a cloud of uncertainty. However, the recent hiring of a 55-year-old NFL legend rekindled the fans’ excitement. Turns out, Smith’s personal connection had prompted this hiring.

NFL legend’s recruiting was personal for Stephen A. Smith

ESPN’s smash-hit show, First Take witnessed a significant moment in its history recently. After letting go of several veteran sports analysts, Stephen A. Smith and ESPN recruited NFL legend, Shannon Sharpe to the show. The 55-year-old’s expressive personality and flamboyance immediately excited fans, considering Smith’s parallel traits. However, how did this deal come to fruition in the first place?

Stephen A. Smith claimed that he had a major role to play in Sharpe’s arrival in ESPN. However, he recently revealed that the reason behind this recruit was much more personal. He went on to divulge the details behind this momentous decision.

“You know the number one reason I came out….to Shannon Sharpe and I said I want Shannon Sharpe on First Take? Because I wanted the world to know that you were wanted,” Smith told Sharpe on his show. “I didn’t want you to be in a situation where the sports world looked at you and said what he do? He must’ve done something. I said if he ends up here, he ends up here….this is a brother that I think has done a lot of good work on television that has helped our community.”

However, he then went on to reveal his personal experience which prompted his decision. “That’s what they did to me in 2009. They cut me off and left me for dead, bro. And I’m not talking about ESPN, I’m talking about the industry….they thought I was done. They were writing my epitaph. And I said, I was blessed and fortunate enough to have enough connections….I don’t know if this brother does. So let me let the world know he has me.”

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Stephen A. Smith experienced a horrifying moment in his career that cast a shadow of doubt on his future. However, he not only bounced back from this position but also elevated his legacy. But what did he have to rescue Shannon Sharpe from?

Sharpe faced a similar fate not long ago

Shannon Sharpe had a celebrated stint at Fox network’s Undisputed. His partnership with Skip Bayless gave sports fans numerous memorable moments and controversial takes. However, following a series of disputes, Sharpe had to leave the popular show behind.

Bayless and Sharpe had shared a terrific partnership on the show for over 6 years. Since joining the beloved FS1 morning show, Sharpe delivered several iconic moments, including legendary battles upon The King, LeBron James‘ credibility with Bayless. However, his disputes with Bayless continued to escalate, eventually ending in his exit from the show. Fans believed Sharpe’s antics cost him his career but clearly, Smith believed otherwise.

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But now, the legendary NFL star is back to take up the hosting honors with the veteran analyst. With fans already ecstatic about the duo’s partnership on First Take, their stint is sure to deliver some highly entertaining moments on television.