If you spent any time on the corner of the internet known as "Black Twitter" around 2017, you remember the "thirst." It was loud. It was persistent. And it was all coming from one man: Shannon Sharpe. Before he was the king of the Club Shay Shay podcast empire, Sharpe was just a guy with a Fox Sports check and a very public crush on Nicole Murphy.
He didn't just mention her once. He campaigned.
Sharpe’s pursuit of the model and ex-wife of Eddie Murphy became a recurring bit on Undisputed. He’d bring out the Hennessy. He’d light up a Black & Mild. Then, he’d look into the camera and tell the world that Nicole was "finer than frog hair" or "stacked like dirty laundry in a dorm room." It was hilarious. It was relatable. Honestly, it was a masterclass in "shooting your shot."
But did they ever actually date?
The Gym Photo That Broke the Internet
For months, it felt like Shannon was yelling into a void. Then, in November 2017, it actually happened. Shannon Sharpe and Nicole Murphy finally met. They didn't meet at a red carpet event or a fancy dinner in Malibu. No, they met at a spin class.
Specifically, a Flywheel class in Los Angeles.
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Shannon posted the proof on Instagram. There they were, sweaty and smiling, standing side-by-side. The caption didn't need much. He’d done it. He’d manifested the meeting. The next morning on Undisputed, Skip Bayless could barely get a word in. Shannon showed up with a pack of Backwoods cigars, essentially taking a victory lap on national television.
LeBron James even commented on the post. So did Nelly. It felt like a win for every guy who ever dared to dream.
Why people thought it was more than a workout
The chemistry in that single photo was enough to fuel the rumor mill for years. When you're a high-profile bachelor like Sharpe and you've been publicly pining for a woman of Murphy’s stature, a "gym meetup" is rarely just a gym meetup in the eyes of the public.
- The Public Backing: Magic Johnson had previously told Shannon he’d "see what he could do" to connect them.
- The Responses: Nicole had been tweeting laughing emojis at Shannon’s TV segments for weeks.
- The "Fox Money": Shannon famously joked he’d give Nicole his entire salary.
The Reality Check: Did They Ever Date?
Here is the part where things get a bit more "real life" and a lot less "Hollywood rom-com." Despite the hype, Nicole Murphy has been pretty consistent about one thing: they were never a couple.
In several interviews since that viral moment, Murphy has clarified that while she finds Shannon hilarious and charming, their relationship was strictly "friendly." During an appearance on HYPE+ and in various red-carpet snippets, she confirmed that the gym meetup was just that—a meetup.
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Basically, Shannon got the photo, he got the "friendly hello," but he didn't get the girl.
Then came the Antoine Fuqua drama in 2019. Nicole was photographed kissing the director in Italy, which caused a massive stir because Fuqua was married to Lela Rochon. Naturally, the internet immediately checked on Shannon. How was Unc doing? Was he heartbroken?
Shannon, ever the professional, played it cool. He tweeted that they were "just friends" and maintained his supportive, albeit "thirsty," persona. It was the ultimate "friend zone" save.
Where Things Stand in 2026
Fast forward to the present day. Shannon Sharpe’s life has become infinitely more complicated. While he’s arguably more famous than ever thanks to his viral Katt Williams interview and his move to ESPN, his personal life has faced serious scrutiny.
In late 2024 and early 2025, Sharpe was hit with a massive $50 million lawsuit involving allegations of sexual assault and a "controlling" relationship with an anonymous woman. This lawsuit, filed in Nevada, painted a picture of Sharpe’s romantic life that was far removed from the playful, cigar-smoking "Unc" we saw chasing Nicole Murphy in 2017.
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Because of these ongoing legal issues, Sharpe actually had to step away from his broadcasting duties temporarily.
As for Nicole Murphy? She’s stayed largely out of the fray. She continues to be a fitness icon, proving that "50 is just a number" (though she’s well past that now and still looks incredible). She hasn't been linked to Shannon in any capacity for years.
Why we still talk about them
The Shannon Sharpe and Nicole Murphy "saga" matters because it was one of the first times we saw a major sports personality use social media to humanize themselves through a crush. It wasn't PR-managed. It was raw, funny, and a little bit desperate—in the way we’ve all been at some point.
It represents a simpler time in Shannon’s career. Before the multi-million dollar podcast deals. Before the heavy lawsuits. It was just a guy, a cigar, and a dream of dating a model.
Next Steps for You
If you're following the latest on Shannon Sharpe’s current situation, it’s worth looking into the specific details of the Nevada civil complaint. The documents provide a much more nuanced view of his personal conduct than his TV persona suggests. Additionally, if you're interested in Nicole Murphy's career, her fitness programs remain some of the most highly-rated for women over 40, focusing on sustainable strength training rather than "fad" diets.