Green Bay Packers linebackerMicah Parsons has moved quickly to clear up what appeared to be tension with Shannon Sharpe, saying he “never talk[s] down on a gold jacket” after comments on a podcast sparked debate.
The Green Bay Packers linebacker, who is recovering from a season-ending ACL injury, recently spoke on the Open Thoughts podcast hosted by comedian Marco Summers, also known as Funny Marco. During a broader rant about the influence of sports media personalities, Parsons referenced Sharpe and described him as someone who “lives on both sides.”
After Sharpe responded publicly, Parsons took to X to clarify his remarks.
“I didn’t bring you up unc! Marco did, I respect our relationship! I never inferred you spoke about me; it was just about what I saw on other players! I never talk down on a gold jacket! @ShannonSharpe,” Parsons wrote.
Sharpe responds to podcast remarks
Sharpe, a Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end best known for his time with the Denver Broncos, addressed the situation on his Nightcap podcast. He defended his approach as a commentator, saying he has always been honest in his evaluations.
“Y’all have seen me at a lot of different locations,” Sharpe said, referencing his previous roles at Fox and ESPN. “Do y’all really believe they be telling me what to say? … I have a job to do, and my job is to be honest in my assessment of what I see based on my knowledge of the game and who you are as a player.”
Parsons’ follow-up message appeared to ease any potential rift, emphasizing respect for Sharpe’s Hall of Fame status – symbolized by the league’s signature gold jacket.
Skip Bayless feud continues
While Parsons sought to make peace with Sharpe, he did not hold back when discussing veteran commentator Skip Bayless. On the same podcast appearance, Parsons criticized Bayless and other media figures, arguing that he could do their jobs better than they could do his on the field.
“F*** Skip Bayless,” Parsons said. “They want to ragebait me, but they won’t say it to my face… Come play my position, Skip, because I can do what you do.”
Bayless responded by challenging Parsons to a face-to-face debate.
“I’ll say right to your face what I’ve always said about you, Micah Parsons,” Bayless said. “Face to face. Eye to eye. Man to man… You and I, let’s do it.”
The exchange adds another chapter to Parsons’ ongoing criticism of sports media figures. For now, however, his clarification on X suggests that any misunderstanding with Sharpe has been resolved, even as his public feud with Bayless continues.
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