Shannon Sharpe has opened up about his 2016 prostate cancer diagnosis.
On the latest episode of his ‘Nightcap’ podcast with Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson, the three-time Super Bowl winning tight end revealed exactly how he felt after getting the devastating call from doctors.
Sharpe disclosed his family’s long history with cancer, and how his father’s early death convinced him to start getting tested for cancer regularly.
“I got diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016, Ocho,” said Sharpe.
“I was going to take the job at Fox; it was my time but I started getting checked in my 30s because of my family history. Like I said, my dad died at 39, two of my dad’s brothers barely made the age of 50. One died in his 40s and one died in his late 40s, maybe 51… so I started getting checked…”
Sharpe went on to explain the different options available to him at the time of his diagnosis.
He ultimately went for one of the less ‘invasive’ ones and fortunately it worked out.
“I had to get blood work drawn for every every six months for two years and I’ve been in remission ever since,” he explained.
“But uh man. Boy, you don’t want that call. Oh, it’s just like man your heart drop.
“But yeah, but it’s a very curable when when you get screened. Talk to your doctor and you can get screened early. Because a lot of times we, especially Black men [don’t do that].”
Fans responded to the heartfelt story and praised Sharpe for being so open about his diagnosis.
“Had no idea Shannon fought through this. Always saw his posts on Instagram about awareness and just thought it was a nice gesture. So glad that Shannon is still with us to tell his story,” commented one fan.
“Had no idea that Shannon battled cancer. Blessings to him, to everyone currently battling cancer and to all survivors,” added a second.
“I’m proud of you for going to get checked especially because a lot of us men don’t like going to the doctors. happy you’re healthy,” a third said.
“Much respect, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and received treatment and in remission. It’s scary getting that call,” shared a fourth.
This isn’t the first time the 56-year-old has been open about his diagnosis.
In 2022, Sharpe shared a video to his social media with the captions ‘My Story’, encouraging men, in particular Black men, to get tested.
He said: “Some of you may know me from playing 14 years in the National Football League, winning three Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos and the Baltimore Ravens. I’m also the 267th member of the pro football Hall of Fame. Some of you may know me from being a co-host of Skip and Shannon Undisputed.
“But what you didn’t know is that I’m a prostate cancer survivor and thanks to early screening and early detection I was able to beat this disease. There’s a 96 percent survival rate thanks to early screening and early detection. I’m a part of that 96 percent.
“Black men, I’m encouraging you with September being prostate cancer awareness month, it’s time for you to talk that talk. Go visit your doctor. It could possibly save your life.”
On Fox, host Curt Menefee asked Sharpe if he was cancer free ‘right now’, to which he responded: “I am cancer-free right now. I feel so good.”
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Black men and they are more likely to get the cancer than other men, according to the CDC.
Sharpe has been a hugely important advocate for prostate cancer awareness, particularly in the African-American community, and no doubt helped save countless lives.