Shannon Sharpe devises plan to call in sick from First Take due to ‘epic show’ and fans joke they’ll try it with work

NFL Hall-of-Famer Shannon Sharpe joked he would call in sick from First Take after a live taping of his Nightcap show.

Sharpe, 56, and his co-host Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson hit the road over the weekend with the first two stops in Atlanta, Georgia, and Houston, Texas.

And the two seemingly had a blast fronting the show in front of a live audience.

After the Sunday gig in H-Town, the Nightcap account on X posted a work excuse letter from Sharpe and Johnson for those who attended.

It read, "Dear employer, please excuse [name] from work. Nightcap had an epic show last night!!"

And Shannon joked he would try to send the letter to his ESPN bosses.

"I wonder if this'll work for First Take in the am," he posted on X.

Fans said they would try to give it a go, too.

"I’m gonna try using it tomorrow with my boss," one wrote.

"Will let you know if it works!" another wrote.

"Thanks. Imma use this right now, hope it works," a third said.

Sharpe eventually made Monday's First Take.

The retired NFL tight end recently returned from a lengthy break from the set.

"Oh yeah, summer vacation is over folks," host Molly Qerim said a couple of weeks ago while announcing Shannon would be back next episode.

"We are locked and loaded. Stephen A. – no days off until Christmas."

Sharpe signed a long-term extension with ESPN in June.

Shannon Sharpe's playing career

Shannon Sharpe was a three-time Super Bowl champion before his heavyweight media career.

The former tight end played in the NFL from 1990 until 2003 - mostly with the Denver Broncos.

He was part of the Super Bowl championship teams in 1998 and 1999 as well as the Baltimore Ravens' title-winning team in 2001.

Sharpe was an eight-time Pro Bowler and voted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

He finished with 10,060 career receiving yards from 815 receptions with 62 touchdowns.

The ex-NFL star has had just as strong a career on television screens since retiring.

It will see the three-time Super Bowl winner's First Take role expand.

"Shannon Sharpe has been an incredible addition to the First Take team, enhancing the show’s dynamic with his engaging presence and insightful commentary," said ESPN's head of events and studio production David Roberts at the time.

"Shannon’s chemistry with Stephen A. Smith has elevated our debates and been another key reason First Take is the premier destination for morning sports discussion."

Sharpe added, "Being a part of this family has been a blessing.

"Everything about this relationship with ESPN, Stephen A., and First Take, has been tremendous.

"I look forward to expanding my role and showing more of the world what I have to offer. The show goes on!"