NFL History: 25 greatest quarterback-tight end duos of all time

The 4th greatest quarterback-tight end duo in NFL history: John Elway & Shannon Sharpe

Another pair of current Hall of Famers, John Elway and Shannon Sharpe are easily the most memorable quarterback-tight end duo whose run was before the 2000s and that is for good reason. Together, they were electric, fun, dominant and had amazing chemistry.

Elway had already proven himself as a talented quarterback in the 1980s winning the MVP award in ‘87. When Sharpe arrived in 1990, they were able to take things to another level reaching new heights in Elway’s career.

By Sharpe’s fourth season, Elway was leading the league in passing yards, something he had never done before, and Sharpe was a big reason why. He was both a fast and physical tight end that would go across the middle and stretch you in the seams. From 1992-1998, Sharpe went to seven straight Pro bowls and tallied three 1,000 yard seasons.

Having made the playoffs in ‘91, ‘93 and ‘96, it wasn’t until the late ‘90s that the explosive duo achieved the ultimate accomplishment. In 1997, the pair won their first Super Bowl and repeated in 1998.

After the second Super Bowl, Elway decided to call it a career, ending the duo. Together, they produced 486 catches, 6,301 yards and 41 touchdowns in 129 games. With the rings and individual accolades, the reason they are 4th on the list is because the three duos left were more productive as a pair.