ESPN announced on Tuesday that former 5x league MVP and 2x Super Bowl champ Peyton Manning will host the 2017 ESPY Awards. Manning is no stranger to hosting and emceeing events, as one of sports most well versed pitchmen. He’s even hosted Saturday Night Live.
Manning is a very safe and predictable choice. This is the ESPY’s 25th year and Manning is looking forward to hosting the show, saying:
It’s an honor to be asked to host The ESPYS, and it’s even more meaningful that it’s the 25th year for this incredible event. The ESPYS have been a part of my life during my entire career—I can still remember attending my very first show back in 1998 before my rookie season in the NFL. Over the years, The ESPYS have celebrated some of my favorite athletes and sports moments. In addition to recognizing a special year in sports, the 25th ESPYS will allow us to go down memory lane and pay tribute to those who have played such a huge part in this program’s success.
Manning is a relatively funny man and has a dry wit. What kind of skits should we expect from him?
He is definitely going to do something with his brother, Giants qb, Eli Manning. Maybe they do a skit with the Williams sisters? Though a pregnant Serena may not want to participate.
Does Manning dare make any political jokes? As a Republican, I doubt it. He tends to steer clear of controversy, except for that one time at Tennessee…But you never know.
He will probably do something self-deprecating with Tom Brady. Congratulate him on winning his 5th Super Bowl and becoming the GOAT and how Brady is better than him, if only he figured out the deflating football thing sooner.
He may consistently repeat the name of a new sponsor throughout the course of the night.
No matter what skits he does, he will do his best to entertain the crowd. As mentioned, Manning is a relatively funny guy. The dad jokes will be in abundance. The 25th annual ESPYS will be broadcast live on ABC Wednesday, July 12, at 8 p.m. ET from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.