ESPN has received a significant wave of enthusiasm following the announcement that comedian Shane Gillis, a devoted Notre Dame football fan, will serve as the host for this year’s ESPY Awards on July 16 in Los Angeles. Traditional hosts of the prestigious event often come from the worlds of comedy or sports, but this will mark the first time for the 37-year-old from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
Gillis expressed his excitement, stating, “I like sports so this should be a good time.” Craig Lazarus, ESPN’s Vice President and Executive Producer of the ESPYs, praised Gillis as one of today’s leading comedians and a passionate sports fan, making him a perfect fit for the hosting role.
Fans have wasted no time in voicing their approval, with many taking to social media to call it “the best decision they could’ve ever made,” while others anticipated an entertaining show.
Gillis, celebrated by some conservatives for his anti-woke stance, has also vocalized criticisms regarding political leaders and their foreign policy decisions, indicating a complex persona beyond his comedic talents. Recently, he has become well-known for his work on Netflix’s “Tires,” which has been renewed for a second season.
This hosting gig isn’t Gillis’ first encounter with ESPN; he previously made an appearance on College Football GameDay, where he humorously engaged with former Alabama coach Nick Saban. In a separate commentary on college athletics, Gillis alluded to how new regulations allowing student athletes to receive payments could change competitive dynamics in college sports, particularly for Notre Dame.
The upcoming ESPY Awards promise to be memorable, especially following last year’s notable moments, including the absence of O.J. Simpson from the ‘in memoriam’ section after his passing, which continued the show’s tradition of sparking conversations about sports history and its complexities.
As the excitement builds for the awards event, Gillis’ unique blend of humor and sports knowledge is set to create an engaging experience for viewers, combining comedy with the celebration of athletic achievements. This pairing of comedy and sports is a hopeful indication that the ESPYs will continue to be a platform for both entertainment and serious reflection on the world of sports.