ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

Shannon Sharpe may have been denied by the voters of the Pro Football Hall of Fame voting committee earlier this year. However, he was not denied by his former team.

Tuesday, the Broncos announced that Sharpe will be enshrined into the team's ring of fame. The superstar tight end will be enshrined Sept. 20 at halftime of Denver's home opener against Cleveland.

Sharpe is the 22nd player to be enshrined into the ring of fame in Denver. It is his first year of eligibility after last playing in the NFL for five years. In February, Sharpe was expected to be a first ballot selection for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, he did not make the final cut. It wouldn't be a surprise if Sharpe is elected into the Canton, Ohio museum within the next few years.

Sharpe played in Denver from 1990-99 and 2002-03. He made seven straight Pro Bowls while with Denver.

The ring of fame was created in Denver in 1984 by owner Pat Bowlen, shortly after he purchased the team.

Sharpe's election to Denver's ring of fame was considered a slam dunk. He was one of the team's all-time great players and great characters. He was a special part of the team's two Super Bowl champion teams in 1997 and 1998.