It’s official. Like, official official.
Stephen A. Smith confirmed Thursday that Shannon Sharpe will be joining “First Take,” one week after The Post’s Andrew Marchand and Ryan Glasspiegel first reported the news.
During Thursday’s show, an unusually subdued Smith was given a moment to announce Sharpe’s addition, noting he only learned 60 seconds prior.
“It’s all about not standing still and taking to another level. And official this morning, Mr. Shannon Sharpe will be joining the crew. He will be joining ‘First Take.’ It is official,” Smith said.
Sharpe, who departed FS1’s “Undisputed” in June after a seven-year run debating Skip Bayless, will make his “First Take” debut on Sept. 4 and will appear on the show on Mondays and Tuesdays.
And in a move totally on brand for Smith, he then sent a shot across Sharpe’s bow.
“In advance, to my brother Shannon Sharpe. First of all, thank you for joining the show. Secondly, condolences in advance. You’re not used to getting beat down,” Smith said.
Sharpe, who has been teasing his television return for some time, celebrated the news by tweeting an altered version of the Dwyane Wade-Lebron James dunking meme with Sharpe throwing down as Smith celebrates — both wearing ESPN jerseys.
“Get your popcorn ready,” the Hall of Fame tight end tweeted alongside a collection of fire emojis.
Sharpe told his Twitter followers last week that he would “bck b4 NFL kicks off.”
The 2023 NFL season opens on Thursday, Sept. 7, with the Chiefs hosting the Lions.
Though Smith and Sharpe will likely have much to discuss in the days leading up to kickoff, the “First Take” host also teased Thursday that there’s more news to come.
“I’ve got another announcement coming in another week or so,” Smith said.
Get the popcorn ready.
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