Shannon Sharpe just made his debut on ESPN's First Take this week but many wonder if he is the successor to Stephen A. Smith as the star of the show. Front Office Sports writer Michael McCarthy published an article entitled “Shannon Sharpe Positioned As Perfect Successor To Stephen A. Smith” on August 24th. The musing on whether Shannon Sharpe is next in line to take over First Take, as Stephen A. Smith's contract with ESPN expires in two years.

The Winston-Salem State graduate, according to McCarthy's write-up, has positioned himself for opportunities far beyond sports.

“With one stroke, the 55-year-old Sharpe has positioned himself as Smith’s successor if or when the face of ESPN departs for entertainment, acting, or politics,  Smith only has two years left on his current deal and has talked about eventually moving to late-night TV.”

McCarthy also notes that Sharpe makes the most sense to become the heir to the First Take throne out of the show's rotating guest of contributors.

“Few among Smith’s new “First Take” ensemble – including Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, Marcus Spears, or Ryan Clark — possess Sharpe’s debate chops after years of verbal combat with Bayless.”

Related NewsArticle continues below
Ezinne Kalu speaks about her HBCU journey at Savannah State, time as an Olympian, WNBA stint and new non-profit.
Ezinne Kalu talks HBCU journey, non-profit, nearly beating team USA
Former NFL star and Fox Sports analyst Michael Vick will take on the role of head coach at Norfolk State University.
Michael Vick Norfolk State branded jerseys are on sale
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden looks on from the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers
Jon Gruden makes surprising HBCU move

Sharpe's debut on First Take on Labor Day was a ratings hit. The hour-long version of the show drew 727,000 viewers, the second highest rating for First Take this year. Sharpe's second show on Tuesday, which went back the the typical two hour format, drew 512,000 viewers. Wednesday show, featuring Chris “Mad Dog” Russo as Stephen A's main debate partner, fell to 385,000 viewers.

Not a bad number in the slightest and surely ahead of Skip Bayless's “Undisputed Live”  but it still was a 47% decrease from Monday and a 24% decrease from Tuesday. It's clear that the viewers want to see Shannon Sharpe opposite Stephen A. on the show.

While Stephen A. Smith giving up his debate chair is farfetched for the time being, he fueled speculation by randomly posting McCarthy's article with no caption on last night. Was Stephen A. telling us something indirectly? Only time will tell.