Renck: Active player? Podcaster? Former Broncos standout Shelby Harris shows he can do both

“Sean Payton is not a loser.”

With that sentence, Shelby Harris showed why he has a bright future as a broadcaster. Harris talks bluntly, an outgrowth of his big personality. He talks wisely, his encyclopedic knowledge fueled by watching countless sporting events. And he talks regularly, using podcast platforms as an outlet for his opinions.

Harris remains an active NFL player with the Browns. The defensive tackle headed to Cleveland on Sunday to begin training camp for his 10th season. He has no plans to retire. He still loves to hit. And he likes to talk.

So, why not do both?

Harris is not waiting until his playing career is over to begin his second chapter. He hosted the “Shel-Shocked” podcast while with the Broncos and Seahawks. And as he maps out his next step in Cleveland, Harris invested in Guerilla Sports, an upstart Denver media outlet providing high-end video content on Colorado’s professional teams.

“I really enjoy all of it, being able to be involved with everything this can offer. I love to talk sports. That’s the part of the media I know and I am learning more about the rest,” Harris told The Post. “I see all the potential in Guerilla. It is very innovative, and the product they put out is great quality. Being part of this team, the sky’s the limit.”

The Broncos traded Harris in the Russell Wilson deal in 2022. When his wife first mentioned that it could happen a few weeks prior, he dismissed the idea. Harris did not want it to be true because he enjoyed playing for the Broncos. Still, he could not help himself after Seattle won the season opener over Denver, trolling his former team.

“All I can say is, ‘Let’s Ride!’” Harris said in his on-field postgame interview.

Harris’ pro football journey began with the Raiders as a seventh-round draft choice in 2014. But his career really started in Denver in 2017. That’s when he became a starter and quickly evolved into an impact player — he secured a three-year, $27 million contract before the 2021 season — and fan favorite.

In Denver, Harris played with emotion — he wasn’t afraid to unload on refs and teammates. Unfiltered, funny, accessible and accountable, he developed a good relationship with the reporters who inspired him to explore media options.

“I was treated fairly, and got to know them. That made it easy. I didn’t mind talking,” Harris said. “And they realized that win or lose, I was going to give an honest answer.”