Nothing against John Cena (who could easily pick up this scrawny writer and tie him into a pretzel), but the 2017 ESPYS have the chance to be the best ever. On Tuesday, ESPN announced that legendary Broncos and Colts quarterback Peyton Manning will host the biggest awards night in sports.
Peyton Manning will host the 25th #ESPYS — airing Wednesday, July 12th at 8 ET/7 CT on @ABC! pic.twitter.com/HpAyLougLb
— ESPN (@espn) May 16, 2017
Make no mistake, Cena did a fantastic job as host in 2016. As a WWE star, Cena has to be one of the best actors in all of sports entertainment. But Manning is on a different level.
Anyone who’s watched sports over the past 20 years is aware of Manning. His Nationwide, Buick and Papa John’s TV ads permeate sports broadcasts from the NFL to NASCAR. His appearances on Saturday Night Live are the thing of legend.
Manning has already managed to kill it at the ESPYS in 2015 with his acceptance speech for “Best Record-Breaking Performance.”
His deadpan style is going to kill on a night that sports stars often take way too seriously. And let’s be honest, how hilarious is it going to be to see what he comes up with to lampoon Tom Brady and the Super Bowl Champion Patriots?
Last year’s ESPYS were packed with political and personal drama, and Cena did a great job balancing that with a dose of humor that only he could. But this year’s proceedings will be much more relaxed, which ought to play right into the hands of Manning’s dry wit and sarcasm.
Set your DVRs now. The ESPYS air July 12 at 6 p.m. MDT.