Inside the Plans for the 25th Anniversary ESPY Awards
”We’re now celebrating a lot of athletes who have only grown up in a world where the ESPYs have existed,“ Connor Schell, Executive Vice President, Content, tells TheWrap
The 25th ESPY Awards, occurring Wednesday, is expected to be a big show, thanks to a truly historic year of sporting achievements. (Having two-time Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning, who’s repeatedly proven his comedy skills hosting “Saturday Night Live” doesn’t hurt.)
“This past year in sports particularly, there have been a lot of moments to celebrate,” Connor Schell, ESPN’s Executive Vice President, Content, told TheWrap on the eve of the ESPYs.
“The Chicago Cubs breaking the 108-year curse, the New England Patriots winning the best Super Bowl possibly ever, the Golden State Warriors and Steph Curry putting on the amazing NBA Finals, and then we had the Olympics with so many great athletes including Michael Phelps. It is going to be a pretty great amazing show.”
You can expect all of those sports stars and more to be at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles when the show airs live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday.
Also in attendance will be former first lady Michelle Obama, who will be presenting the Arthur Ashe Courage Award to Special Olympics Founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
Over the years, the ESPYs has grown into one of the most important dates on the sports calendar since Jimmy Valvano took to the stage in 1993.
See TheWrap’s full interview with Schell below and tune in for highlights after the show.
What moments or awards are you most looking forward to this year?
I am incredibly excited that Peyton is hosting because I think what the show has been about over the past 25 years is more and more meaningful to the athletes who the show is for. To have an athlete of Peyton Manning’s caliber — one of the most celebrated football stars on the field, who is also smart, has a great sense of humor and also a long history with the show — is so cool.
I also think it is so cool that as a former athlete he is hosting the 25th show. He attended the first one as a college athlete, and has come throughout the course of his career. He’s been celebrated and made fun of — and now it’s his turn to do the same.
In addition, there is so much meaning in the show with the story-telling — the Jimmy V ESPY Award for Perseverance, the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, the Pat Tillman Award for Service. I hope they are all spectacular. And we have some great surprises in there too.
Last year we saw Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James address the Black Lives Matter movement and police shootings. Will we see a political stance again this year?
I don’t think it will get too political, I think the show is more trying to celebrate the year in sports — those who have created the best moments, the ones that give you goosebumps. It’s a show about sports for sports stars and sports fans.
It’s really about great storytelling. There is not anything like that stance in the show this year, and last year, that came about really quickly.
What is your favorite part of working on the ESPYs?
I am really proud of the commitment of the Jimmy V Foundation. Wednesday is ESPY Day on ESPN, that encourages donations to the V Foundation to raise money for cancer research. That is particularly meaningfully this year as it is 25 years since Jimmy gave that speech. Every time it is on no matter how many times you’ve seen it, you stop what you’re doing and watch.
We’ve seen some memorable speeches by Arthur Ashe recipients over the years such as Caitlyn Jenner and Michael Sam. Why was this the right year to honor the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver for her work with the Special Olympics? Part of it comes from ESPN’s commitment to the Special Olympics, which is in its 50th year. It has grown from something Eunice conceived in her backyard to this incredible global movement and sporting event that changed peoples’ lives and feeds to the power of sports and positivity.
What are your favorite moments from the ESPYs over the past 25 years?
I always look back to Jimmy V’s speech from the first show because the V Foundation is founded out of that and it represents the incredible spirit of the whole event. It was incredible on its own, but the idea that it led to 25 years of commitment to cancer research is unbelievably powerful.
Every year, there are so many moments that even if I know they are coming, they weave together that full range of celebration of the ESPYs. Stuart Scott’s speech and Craig Sager’s speech … you’re talking about powerful moments that can affect change and are lasting. Then when you mix in the celebration of the sports, you get a great balance. The transitions from emotion to humor are not easy, I give credit to our producers — they do a really incredible job of executing them flawlessly.
Are there any hosts who have really stood out to you?
Drake, Seth Meyers, John Cena last year — there have been so many.
Every year there are viral moments that really touch people’s hearts — how much of that is planned in advance and how much is organic?
We try to celebrate, entertain, and then there are surprises — some of them we know going in and some of them just happen. You can’t manufacture moments, we try to accomplish what we can before the show … and then unexpected things happen.
It is the one event on the calendar where we bring athletes who have all accomplished different feats in sports — NBA, NFL, college, Olympics, horse racing, extreme sports — they are all represented.
How do you continue to get the top talent to attend each and every year?
On some level, with the show now being 25 years old, we’re now celebrating a lot of athletes who have only grown up in a world where the ESPYs have existed. It was their dream growing up to win an ESPY and give a speech, and that’s now attainable.
We built up equity when they were kids, and now hopefully, are fulfilling their dreams. On top of that, it is a great show with the top musicians.
The 25th ESPYS will be hosted by five-time NFL MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning, and will air live on ABC on Wednesday, July 12, at 8pm ET from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
25 Most Memorable ESPYs Moments, From Stuart Scott to Justin Timberlake (Photos)
Since the first ESPYs Awards in 1993, the show has celebrated the best sports action from throughout the year while honoring trailblazers from all realms. It was originally held in March or April from New York City, but has since moved to its regular spot in July following the MLB All-Star game and migrated west to Los Angeles. Check out some of the best moments from the last quarter decade.
Debbie Emery
Jimmy V's historic speech begins it all (1993) Long before the Jimmy V Award existed, its namesake Jim Valvano made what still stands as the most famous speech in ESPYs’ history – and possibly all of sports. “I'm going to speak longer than anyone else has spoken tonight," Valvano said, accepting the first ever Arthur Ashe Courage Award (and everyone was more than OK with that). "Time is very precious to me. I don't know how much I have left and I have some things I would like to say." The N. C. State basketball coach was battling terminal bone cancer and died less than two months later.
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Michael Sam accepts the Courage Award (2014): After becoming the first openly gay football player to enter the NFL draft in 2014 (where he was picked by the St. Louis Rams), Michael Sam was then presented the Courage Award by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Sam quoted Arthur Ashe, telling the audience: "Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.” The University of Missouri alum went on to tell the audience: "Those were the words to live by, whether you're black or white, young or old, straight or gay ... Football raised me, football taught me about hard work."
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Sidney Poitier honors Muhammad Ali (1997): A Hollywood legend honored a boxing legend with an Oscar-worthy speech and the result was nothing short of magical. "In an age of discrimination, he stood up for racial pride. In an era of lost values, he had a spiritual rebirth. In a time of war, Muhammad Ali spoke of peace,” Poitier said when he took to the podium.
Stuart Scott's inspirational cancer speech (2014): Longtime “SportsCenter” anchor Stuart Scott became a part of the show in 2015 when he accepted the Jimmy V Perseverance Award. Up until then, few knew the extent of Scott’s cancer battle as he never let the struggle show on-air, but the sports broadcaster took the entire room with him on a beautiful, tear-jerking journey. “You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and in the manner in which you live. So live. Live. Fight like hell and when you get too tired to fight then lay down and rest and let somebody else fight for you." Scott died in January 2015 at age 49 – but he never lost the fight.
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Devon Still accepts award for sick daughter Leah (2015): Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Devon Still became a household name during his five-year-old daughter Leah’s cancer battle, as he put supporting her ahead of his NFL career. Too sick to attend the ESPYs herself, the brave little girl said via video: “Sorry I couldn’t be here, everybody. Thank you for supporting me while I beat out cancer,” before her dad sent the message “don’t give up.” Two years later, Leah is cancer-free and the face of the Still Strong Foundation.
Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images
Ben Affleck pays tribute to a Yankees great (2015) A die-hard Boston Red Sox fan presenting a New York Yankees legend with the Icon Award, what could go wrong? Thankfully, “There was something about him [Jeter] that made the boos ring a little hollow. Maybe it was his inimitable class, maybe it was that he won with dignity and lost with grace. Maybe it was simply that we knew no matter what, he was a winner regardless,” Affleck said. "He broke my heart 100 times, if not more. And he broke it again when he retired.”
Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images
Jamie Foxx serenades Serena Williams (2003): We all heard Jamie Foxx sing as Ray Charles in Oscar-winning “Ray,” but no one expected him to honor Serena Williams with a little ditty titled, “Can I Be Your Tennis Ball?” when he served as host in 2003 and 2004. "15-love, 30-40 love, advantage you, 'til you get to deuce," went the catchy lyrics. Not even a Grand Slam champion could resist that.
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Craig Sager’s colorful Jimmy V Award speech (2016) Even though he spent the bulk of his career at Turner Sports, Craig Sager was beloved at ESPN. The “NBA on TNT” reporter lit up the stage in a rainbow bright jacket and yellow shirt before delivering a moving speech while accepting the Jimmy V Award. “I will continue to keep fighting -- sucking the marrow out of life, as the marrow sucks the life out of me,” Sager said. Sadly, he passed away from leukemia in December.
Lauren Hill's parents remember her (2015): College basketball phenomena Lauren Hill succumbed to a brain tumor three months before the ESPYs but that didn’t deplete her presence on the big night. When her parents took to the stage to accept the Best Moment award on her behalf, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. "We are so thankful to everyone who helped make Lauren's moment possible," Lauren's mother, Lisa Hill, said.
Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images
Bill Murray sings the “SportsCenter” theme song (1994) Diehard Chicago Cubs fan Bill Murray saw his dream come true last year with the World Series victory, but long before the Cubs’ curse was broken, Murray took to the stage to host the 1994 ESPYs, and put his sports knowledge and singing talent to the test by belting out the signature “SportsCenter” tune.
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Justin Timberlake sings “I Love Sports” (2008): Timberlake really does love sports, and he wasn’t afraid to tell the world while hosting the 2008 awards. The former NSYNC singer put his obsession to music in the catchy song that reflected on the sports year, poked fun at celebrity couples Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo and Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen, and mocked his role in Janet Jackson’s Nipplegate Super Bowl scandal.
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Norm Macdonald tries to offend everyone (1998): In comparison to Timberlake’s love of sports, Norm Macdonald ripped out the hearts of every sports fan watching with his ruthless opening monologue. From the Dallas Cowboys stripper scandal and O.J. Simpson, to rape allegations against Anthony Mason, no topic was too sensitive for the “Saturday Night Live” alum.
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Justin Timberlake vs. the Kansas Jayhawks (2008) Forever the performer, Tennessee native Timberlake couldn’t hide his love of the Memphis Tigers when he hosted the 2008 ESPYs – which meant ripping into Kansas Jayhawks star Mario Chalmers for beating his beloved team in the NCAA final. Unfortunately for the host, that victory earned Kansas the Best Game award.
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Caitlyn Jenner's tearful speech (2105) The former Olympian captivated the audience when she accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. There was a hushed silence when she took to the stage in a sweeping white gown, but that soon broke into applause and standing ovations. “Trans people deserve something vital: They deserve your respect,” Jenner said.
ESPN
Robin Roberts is introduced by LeBron James (2013): A legend in her own right, Robin Roberts got an introduction worthy of royalty from LeBron “King” James when she was honored with the Arthur Ashe Award for her public handling of her battles with breast cancer in 2007 and myelodysplastic syndrome. The "Good Morning America" host got a standing ovation when she went on stage to receive the award from the NBA great.
Photo by Allen Kee / ESPN
LeBron James’ “LeBrogative” dance (2007) The Cleveland Cavaliers star was also part of a far less serious memorable moment in 2007 when he wore a wig and baggy pants to dance to “My LeBrogative” during his 2007 hosting gig. MC Hammer, eat your heart out.
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Dewey Bozella following his wrongful imprisonment (2011) Former amateur boxer Dewey Bozella's wrongful imprisonment for murder turned him into a national news story, and his appearance at the 2011 ESPYs to accept the Arthur Ashe Award following his release after serving a 26 year prison sentence turned him into a household name.
Photo by Allen Kee / ESPN
Drake performs two potential hits (2014) Everything Drake touches turns to gold, and that includes spoof songs he performs while hosting the ESPYs. "Honorable Mention" and "Side Pieces" were both cool enough to be hit singles if the rapper ever released them -- even though they're meant to be cheeky jokes poking fun at sports stars and their other halves.
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Gronk hosts a dance party (2015): What's better than one Gronkowski dancing at the ESPYs? Four, of course! Rob and his equally-as-hyped brothers Dan, Chris and Gordie Jr. did a joint shoulder-bumping, jumping celebration when the New England Patriots tight end won Comeback Player of the Year in 2015. Despite being a Seattle Seahawks fan, host Joel McHale even closed the show by thanking “everyone for coming, and Rob Gronkowski.”
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Will Ferrell accepts an award as Tiger Woods (2008): Long before Tiger Woods began hitting the news for the wrong reasons, Will Ferrell played a caricature of the golf champion in a hilarious ESPYs skit. "People are always asking me, 'Tiger, how do you do it?' And my answer is, 'Shut up.' I ask the questions."
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NBA stars take a stand (2016): Politics and sports often inevitably crossover, and in 2016 Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James opened the ESPYs by addressing the Black Lives Matter protests and recent police shootings. “We cannot ignore the realities of the current state of America,” Anthony said as the four NBA super stars stood on stage together.
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Destiny's Child twerk with Serena Williams (2005): Beyonce and co. were twerking at the ESPYs long before Gronk made it cool again. Destiny's Child were joined on stage by Serena Williams and track star Allyson Felix for a special performance of "Lose My Breath." Williams went on to appear in Beyonce's video for "Lemonade" last year.
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Chance the Rapper's Muhammad Ali tribute (2016): Tributes to the greatest of all time filled the 2016 ESPY Awards, with the event taking place just over a month after his death. But none was more tuneful than the Chance the Rapper's closing song, which left guests with a black and white image of the Ali as they left the show instead of the customary confetti.
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Pat Summitt defies the odds -- again (2012): Despite battling Alzheimer's disease, University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball coach Pat Summitt gave one of her signature inspiring speeches when she was presented with Arthur Ashe Award by fellow Tennessean Peyton Manning. "It is time to fight," the winningest D-1 coach in NCAA history said. "As I ask all of you to join me together so we will win."
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Stevie Wonder presents Best Team to the Lakers (2009): Musical great Stevie Wonder got to celebrate the Lakers' glory years when he presented the Best Team award to Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher and their teammates. While that was pretty cool, but it will be Wonder's awesome introduction -- which included a promised that he planned to become "a quarterback for the Steelers or a point guard for the Cavaliers," before breaking into song that sticks in most people's memories.
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TheWrap looks back at 25 years of hilarious and heartfelt highlights
Since the first ESPYs Awards in 1993, the show has celebrated the best sports action from throughout the year while honoring trailblazers from all realms. It was originally held in March or April from New York City, but has since moved to its regular spot in July following the MLB All-Star game and migrated west to Los Angeles. Check out some of the best moments from the last quarter decade.
Debbie Emery
ESPN
