Warren Sapp Grabs Cam Newton and Super Bowl Champ’s Attention as He Throws ‘Gold Gauntlet’

4 min read

Warren Sapp is not just back; he’s clearly making noise. The Hall of Famer has returned from Taipei, with his gold jacket gleaming, and Instagram is still buzzing from his courtside photos and skyscraper antics. Now, in a viral video, Sapp flaunts his Hall of Fame swagger and calls out the next generation, challenging them to take his place. He calls it the “Gold Gauntlet,” and it’s got Cam Newton and Super Bowl champs taking notice. Sapp isn’t just talking nostalgia; he’s raising the stakes and grabbing the attention.

Warren Sapp is making waves again at the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremony, where Canton just welcomed one of its smallest but most star-studded classes since 2005: Jared Allen, Eric Allen, Sterling Sharpe, and Antonio Gates. The crowd got a bonus treat when NFL legends and fans serenaded Marv Levy with “Happy Birthday”—he’s turning 100 this weekend! Chris Berman and Thurman Thomas spearheaded the singing, and the entire stadium joined in. But even with all the ceremony hype, Sapp’s antics stole the show.

Sapp showed up as a walking highlight reel, literally. He posted an Instagram video proudly displaying his gold jacket like it was the Infinity Gauntlet, panning over other Hall of Famers with the enthusiasm of a proud parent. His caption was classic Sapp: “The Gold Gauntlet!! #SappNotFishing.” He was soaking it all in, documenting every attendee like he was directing his own football version of the Avengers. Even Cam Newton couldn’t help but comment, “1ØVĖ.” And even Super Bowl legend Ricky Watters hopped in and reacted with “” emojis.

 

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Love him or hate him, Warren Sapp knows how to make a Hall of Fame moment memorable. This isn’t the first time he’s done something of this sort. From June 4 to 7, Sapp headlined the Hall of Fame Residency Program, and it wasn’t just some stiff photo op. Sure, there was a docent leading a Q&A, but it was Sapp’s raw energy, wild stories, and unfiltered insight that had fans locked in. He relived iconic moments from his 13-season NFL career, blending humor, heat, and championship wisdom in a way only he can. Classic Sapp—loud, proud, and taking “Football Heaven” by storm like it was game day.

Warren Sapp’s resume is legendary: 96.5 sacks, four All-Pro selections, and a Hall of Fame induction to cap it off. While his 2013 enshrinement in Canton was a huge deal, the Buccaneers weren’t done. Just three months later, they retired his #99 and added his name to their Ring of Honor. It was a full-blown celebration. Drafted 12th overall in 1995, Sapp transformed Tampa Bay’s defense into a force to be reckoned with. He started 130 of 140 games for the Bucs, including every playoff game, and he kept it up even after moving to Oakland.

Over 13 seasons, Sapp amassed nearly 700 tackles, constantly disrupted opponents’ offenses, and played with an unmatched confidence that made every play exciting. So it’s no surprise he grabbed attention during the Hall of Fame Program. But with his professional career, even his personal life is back on track.

Warren Sapp makes a bold move in his love life

Warren Sapp’s return to the spotlight isn’t about football this time; it’s much more personal. The Hall of Famer just went public with his relationship, sharing a sweet and funny Instagram birthday message for his girlfriend, Deniese. It was a big move for someone who usually keeps his private life private: “Happy Birthday Baby @germanflhottie been eating at the worst spots with bad company. @dynastyhw2 and Jose here too! Cheers to Birthdays and Great times! #SappNotFishing.” Fans were quick to react, with comments pouring in quickly.

Finding love is a beautiful feeling, and even Deniese has an adventurous side, just like Sapp. Her Instagram bio says she’s a deep-sea diver, snake hunter, croc wrangler, and fish catcher. Now it all clicks—Sapp’s recent fishing obsession? Yep, fans are putting the pieces together. He’s been spending more time on the water than on the field, and now we know who’s the reason.

Well, Sapp’s starting a new chapter that people are loving. Plus, he’s landed a new coaching role. If he and Coach Prime have a successful season, it’ll be the perfect ending to an amazing off-season turnaround. With love, Hall of Famer status, fishing, and football, Sapp might be living his best post-NFL life, and he’s doing it loudly, proudly, and on his own terms.

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