Shannon Sharpe stands at an intriguing crossroads: reflecting on legacy, relationships, and what’s next off the field. With his recent legal battles behind him and a sudden exit from ESPN still fresh, fans and followers are asking: What’s coming next for the Broncos legend? 

On a recent episode of the NightCap Show with Chad “Ocho” Johnson, Sharpe dropped a hint that caught many off guard. “Oh, I got a feeling, Ocho. I think in the next two years, I’m gonna get married,” Sharpe said casually. 

Sharpe has never officially married and has been private about his personal life, so his recent hint at a real commitment is new territory for him. That’s why Johnson immediately jumped at the possibility. “There we go. Now we’re getting juicy with it. This is the type of stuff I wanna hear,” he responded while suggesting a dual wedding with Sharpe.

The former tight end has had a high-profile career marked by accolades, controversies, and plenty of media attention, but relationship stability is a different playbook altogether. He shares a son, Kiari, with his ex, Erika Evans. 

He also has two daughters, Kayla and Kaley, though the identities of their mothers remain private. For years, Sharpe kept his romantic relationships mostly out of the spotlight, focusing publicly on his career and family. “My life for 14 years in the National Football League was football. I ate, I drank, I slept and thought football,” Sharpe said in his Pro Football Hall of Fame speech in 2011. 

Among his more well-known relationships was a lengthy one with fitness trainer and nutrition coach Katy Kellner, who was described as his longtime girlfriend and even accompanied him to his Pro Football Hall of Fame breakfast in 2011.  

Sharpe was also linked to Nicole Murphy briefly in 2017, the ex-wife of actor Eddie Murphy. Though she later clarified they never dated. This exchange about a wedding in two years serves as a window into Sharpe’s mindset, showing a man eager to turn a new page in life. But Sharpe has other struggles to cater to as well before the wedding bells can ring.

Shannon Sharpe opens up about financial hurdles

On the same show, the tone shifted slightly to more practical matters. Sharpe, while upbeat about marriage plans, dropped a hint about less buoyant days financially. “Right now, Ocho, you might have to fund the whole thing,” Sharpe joked, followed by a laugh from Johnson.

But beneath the banter lies a subtle acknowledgment of strain. “I’m just saying, Ocho. Little more down on the luck right now, down on the luck,” he added. Johnson, ever the optimist, reassured him. “I think, listen, in two years, not even two, probably another one, we going to be all right.”

Even in the past, Sharpe hasn’t shied away from keeping it real about money with Johnson. On earlier episodes of their NightCap podcast, Sharpe openly reminded Johnson about a past loan, asking, “Like you do owe me 5,900?”

Johnson responded with a lighthearted promise to pay him back. “Imma take care of you baby.” But beneath the jokes lies a deeper reality of financial strain. “My pocket’s light right now, Ocho,” Sharpe said.

These candid financial glimpses reflect the rocky waters Sharpe has navigated lately. After a $50 million lawsuit settlement related to serious allegations and a $20 million defamation suit, Sharpe’s financial footing appears less solid than in the past. He also subsequently lost his analyst role at ESPN, adding to the challenges he now faces.

Despite the legal and contractual setbacks in recent years, his wealth has historically been built on his on-field success and his lucrative media career. So, he’s determined to “do the right thing,” banking on his reputation and product to rebuild. Johnson agrees, “When the product is too good, it sells itself,” underscoring the belief they’ll bounce back.