Only 378 former players can call themselves Pro Football Hall of Famers. Out of that select group, nine played the tight end position. That represents 2.4% of the elite class who have busts in Canton, OH. Within that, 2011 Hall of Fame inductee Shannon Sharpe is among the 1% of the 1%. Despite hanging up his helmet and shoulder pads for a good 21 years ago, the gregarious podcast host still looks capable of starring on Sundays.
On Sept. 30, 2024, Sharpe showcased his tireless work ethic and impressive physique in a challenging chest and triceps workout led by legendary trainer Hany Rambod. While the 56-year-old didn’t bang out a 300-pound bench press for reps (he still can), his session with the 24-time Olympia-winning coach left no doubt that age is nothing but a number.
Shannon Sharpe’s Chest and Triceps Workout
While many of his fellow retirees no longer look the part of an NFL player, Sharpe’s physique looks like he’s ready to hit the gridiron again. Sharpe utilized his strength and athleticism to rack up 62 touchdown receptions in 204 regular-season games and three Super Bowl rings.
Here’s an overview of the exercises Sharpe performed under the watchful eye of Rambod, who’s earned the nickname “The Pro Creator” by coaching athletes like five-time reigning Classic Physique champion Chris Bumstead and 2024 Mr. Olympia winner Derek Lunsford to Olympia titles.
- Incline Chest Press
- Flat Chest Press
- Lower Chest Flight Machine
- Smith Machine Decline Press
- Cable Flyes Superset with Push-Ups
- Cable Triceps Pushdowns
- Overhead Triceps Extension Machine
- Triceps Pushdown Machine
Eccentric Focus
Although most of Rambod’s clients are active competitive bodybuilders rather than retired NFL players, he didn’t take it easy on Sharpe. The workout started with the Pannata Super Inclined Chest Press, where Rambod emphasized the eccentric (lengthening) phase. Sharpe performed slow and controlled reps with a three-second eccentric, allowing him to get a deep stretch on his pectorals.
Many people get a really heavy, muscular lower pec, but they don’t get those upper pecs.
After Sharpe completed his final set using a four-second eccentric, his coach jokingly said he’d have to spend “another 100 grand on some suits” to accommodate his bulging chest.
[Related: 17 Best Chest Exercises]
Don’t Expect Shannon Sharpe to Look the Same in Eight Weeks
Sharpe’s training session included several other chest and triceps exercises, including several triceps pushdown variations that helped produce a noticeable pump (and plenty of sweat).
“We want everything to get really stretched out,” he explained. “[You’re] less likely to get hurt, don’t have to use as much weight, and get a lot of good muscle growth, and then when you start dieting, you get even more detailed, so you look extra ripped.”
Once Sharpe completed his last set of pushdowns, he performed a few bodybuilding poses, highlighting his muscular frame. “We’re about to see what we will do in the next six to eight weeks,” Rambod explained. “See what type of program we can put together, and see how [Sharpe] gets peeled like an orange again.”
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Featured image: @hanyrambod on Instagram
