CANTON, Ohio — Eric Allen and Sterling Sharpe first crossed paths at the 1987 East-West Shrine Game at Stanford, where both were standout seniors from their respective colleges—Arizona State for Allen and South Carolina for Sharpe. “I get a chance to go into the Hall of Fame with a guy I had never met until the East-West All-Star game,” Sharpe reflected, recalling their initial encounter and subsequent rivalry.
The two faced off five times from 1990 to 1994, with Allen playing for the Eagles and Sharpe for the Packers. This Saturday, they will both be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, marking an impressive milestone in their careers nearly four decades after first meeting.
During a press event, Sharpe praised Allen’s unique abilities on the field, emphasizing the importance of how he approached his position. “When I studied him, it was about keeping him honest,” Sharpe explained. He recognized that Allen’s anticipation of plays added a layer of complexity to his role as a receiver, necessitating that Sharpe continuously prove to Allen that he was a viable option on the field.
Allen, who was selected 23 spots after Sharpe in the 1988 draft, recorded 54 interceptions during his regular-season career and added four more in the postseason, showcasing his exceptional talent. Both players are part of an elite group, being the sixth and seventh inductees from their draft class to achieve this honor.
Sharpe, who had a remarkable seven-year career marred by injury, caught 595 passes for 8,134 yards and 65 touchdowns, demonstrating significant impact during his time, especially noted in his playoff performances. Furthermore, with his brother Shannon Sharpe already enshrined, the pair becomes the first brothers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, adding to their family legacy.
Reflecting on their competitive history, Sharpe remarked on how difficult it was to play against Allen, stating that many of Allen’s interceptions were attributed to his exceptional skill at reading plays and anticipating movements, which made playing wide receiver particularly challenging.
This induction ceremony not only honors their individual accomplishments but also celebrates the enduring legacy of their contributions to the game, providing inspiration for future generations of athletes.