Ray Lewis isn’t holding back when it comes to his former teammate Shannon Sharpe’s media career. During a recent sit-down with Patrick Bet-David, the NFL legend admitted he always knew Sharpe was made for TV—but he’s stunned by the kind of content Sharpe has leaned into since retiring from football.
“I knew he was going to be successful,” Lewis said. “He had already been prepping before he retired. But I’m shocked at his content. The things Shannon says now? I would have never believed he would say or do those things.” Lewis even recalled that during their entire playing career, he never once saw Sharpe touch a drink—because of family history, Sharpe avoided it completely. “So to see him embrace things now that he once stayed away from, it shocked me,” he added.
Lewis went on to make it clear that while he respects Sharpe’s success, he doesn’t agree with the “route” his old teammate chose. “That route is to become so worldly that you become popular because you’re talking about ignorance,” Lewis said, pointing to the gossip-heavy debates Sharpe often engages in on shows and podcasts. “I can’t go that route. Never can go that route. The platform is supposed to help somebody find a new direction, not drag people down.”
For Lewis, the issue isn’t just Sharpe—it’s the culture of modern media itself. “Everybody wants a follower, everybody wants to be popular, everybody wants to make money,” he said. “But the devil has the ability to make you popular. God has the ability to give you influence.” He drew a line between chasing clout and truly inspiring people, making it clear why he’s kept his own message focused on faith, leadership, and personal growth.
Source: YouTube
