Marcello Hernández delivered a lively and humorous opening monologue at the 2026 ESPYS, held on 15th July in New York City, where he took aim at various well-known personalities in the sports and entertainment industries. In a show marked by light-hearted jests, Hernández didn’t shy away from poking fun at last year’s host, Shane Gillis, and the notable age difference between NFL coach Bill Belichick and his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson.
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Hernández, who has been a prominent figure on ‘Saturday Night Live’ since 2022, began his monologue by expressing his amusement at being the host of the prestigious awards show. Addressing the audience filled with notable athletes, including Simone Biles, Steph Curry, and Chloe Kim, he stated, “This is an American dream.”
The comedian’s first target was Gillis, who had garnered controversy for his past comments and was dismissed from ‘Saturday Night Live’ shortly after his casting was announced. “I also want to shout out last year’s host, Shane Gillis,” Hernández jokingly remarked. “He’s watching from home like a true American, on his couch, drinking a beer while a Hispanic guy does his job.” This quip drew laughter from the attendees, including actor Kevin Hart, who nodded in approval as the camera captured the moment.
As the monologue progressed, Hernández continued to showcase his signature wit. He remarked on the unique nature of the ESPYS, stating, “This is the only award show where none of the nominees were bullied in high school.” The playful jabs did not stop there; he also turned his attention to Bill Belichick, the long-time coach of the New England Patriots, who was present at the event alongside Hudson, who is 49 years his junior.
In a clever twist, Hernández observed, “In 1973, hockey players didn’t wear helmets, basketball had no three-point line, and in 1973, Bill Belichick was the age his girlfriend is now.” The guests, including Belichick and Hudson, reacted with surprise before sharing a laugh, reflecting the light-hearted tension often found in comedy.
The reference to the couple’s age disparity echoed sentiments expressed during previous award shows. Notably, Snoop Dogg had made similar remarks about Belichick and Hudson at the 2025 NFL Honors, emphasising how young Hudson was compared to the time when the Dallas Cowboys were considered a formidable team.
Hernández’s references are emblematic of the evolving nature of comedy within award shows, allowing comedians to engage in sociopolitical commentary while entertaining a broad audience. His monologue demonstrated a deft balance of humour and commentary, reflecting on contemporary issues and the world of sports.
Later in 2025, Gillis faced his own challenges during the ESPYS, struggling to connect with the audience. He had quipped about Belichick by saying, “A bookie is what Bill Belichick reads to his girlfriend before bedtime,” showcasing his style of humour that often walks a fine line. Acknowledging the lack of audience engagement, Gillis humourously admitted, “Well, I see a lot of you don’t like me and that’s okay,” highlighting the unpredictable nature of live performance.
Hernández’s performance, framed within the context of current and past events, effectively highlights his abilities as both a comedian and a commentator on contemporary culture. His observations, while humorous, mirror larger societal dynamics, including generational gaps and the intersection of sports and entertainment.
The 2026 ESPYS thus not only served as a platform for celebrating athletic achievements but also offered a space for commentary on the intertwining of celebrity culture and societal norms. With Hernández at the helm, attendees enjoyed an evening filled with laughter, reflection, and an appreciation for the ever-evolving nature of entertainment.