Marcello Hernández Lightens Mood at 2026 ESPYs with Jokes

Hernández Takes Center Stage in New York

Marcello Hernández hosted the 2026 ESPYs on July 15, marking a shift for the annual awards as they moved from their traditional Los Angeles venue to New York’s David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. The comedian, 28, opened the ceremony with a near‑10‑minute monologue that mixed homage to fellow athletes with sharp humor. Audiences and viewers got their first glimpse of Hernández’s opening line when he greeted “Jake Paul” alongside the rest of the sports community.

Paul became the first athlete singled out in Hernández’s routine. The comedian joked, “Don’t fight me. My dad and my stepdad are both here. They’re over 50, and I know that’s how you like them. So, fight them instead.” Paul laughed loudly, and camera shots captured his applause for the line. The presence of Hernández’s father and stepfather in the crowd added a personal touch to the tease.

The humor didn’t stop there. Later in the monolog, Hernández referenced video‑game cover athletes, saying Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears would appear on the new Madden cover and “Tiger Woods will be on the cover of Grand Theft Auto.” The line was delivered with a smirk, prompting groans and chuckles from the audience.

Tiger Woods, 50, has been in the news for a March 27 rollover crash that led to DUI and property‑damage charges. Hernández’s quip about Woods drew nervous smiles, but he quickly followed with a conciliatory note: “I love you Tiger. I’m a big fan, man. It’s just it was written so well.” The crowd responded with laughter, though Hernández appeared slightly sheepish after the gag.

In another dig, Hernández aimed at 2025 ESPYs host Shane Gillis, quipping that the comedian was “enjoying the show like a true American – on his couch, drinking a beer while a Hispanic guy does his job.” The line sparked another round of amusement and applause from the live audience.

The ceremony highlighted several award categories, including the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, the Pat Tillman Award for Service, and the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award. Performers such as the Savannah Bananas, DJ Khaled, and award presenters like Jalen Brunson, Folarin Balogun, and Eileen Gu added to the evening’s entertainment.

Overall, Hernández’s performance added a comedic layer to an evening already packed with award moments and star power, reinforcing the ESPYs’ role as a platform for both sport and entertainment. The shift to New York signals a new chapter for the ceremony, while Hernández’s jokes ensured the audience left with both laughter and conversation topics long after the final applause. The blend of humor and athleticism showcased how the ESPYs continue to evolve while honoring the year’s most notable athletes and humanitarian efforts.