Bob Odenkirk Sparks Outrage With Controversial Chicago Pope Skit at NFL Honors in San Francisco as Fans Condemn Jokes as Blasphemous and Insulting

Thursday night in San Francisco was supposed to be all glitz, glamour, and football celebration.

The NFL Honors ceremony, which annually hands out the league’s biggest awards, drew coaches, players, former stars, and team executives together for a night of recognition.

Mad Men’s Jon Hamm took the reins as host, bringing humor to the stage—but one comedic sketch quickly overshadowed the festivities.

Bob Odenkirk as the ‘Chicago Pope’

The moment that sparked widespread outrage came when actor Bob Odenkirk appeared dressed as Pope Leo XIV.

Sporting a mitre, a stole emblazoned with Chicago Bears logos, and patches, Odenkirk played up the role of the first American Pope, who hails from Chicago and has reportedly accepted Bears jerseys over the past year.

The sketch centered on the Pope’s “disappointment” over the Bears’ season, which ended in the Divisional Round with a loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

“It sucked. It was a bad season, and it ended badly,” Odenkirk quipped, drawing laughs from some in the audience.

Hamm tried to maintain a light tone, calling the season exciting, but Odenkirk pushed further: “You know, I’m starting to think maybe there isn’t a man upstairs.”

Social Media Explodes

The reaction online was swift and harsh.

Many viewers labeled the sketch blasphemous and insulting to their faith.

Comments ranged from sharp critiques to sarcastic ridicule of Hollywood’s approach to religion:

• “Corny bit mocking God,” one user wrote.
• “What a disgrace,” added another.
• “Not a Christian by any means, but holy s*** that made me uncomfortable to watch,” a third chimed in.
• Some even criticized the NFL itself, noting a trend of mocking Christianity while avoiding jokes about other religions.

Roger Goodell’s Unexpected DJ Cameo

The Pope skit wasn’t the only eyebrow-raising moment of the evening.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell joined in on the entertainment in a way fans didn’t expect.

During the awards, Goodell appeared behind the DJ booth wearing sunglasses, a black hat, and a gold chain necklace, claiming he would fill in for Bijan Robinson.

Hamm, caught off guard, asked, “What are you doing?!”

“Bijan is on the can and I told him I’d take over,” Goodell said.

He then added, with a grin, “It’s my passion, John. And when I’m behind here, please, I like to go by ‘Rog DMC.’”

Fans were treated to Goodell’s mix of his “favorite songs” before an NFL intro blared through the auditorium speakers, making for a surreal diversion from the awards themselves.

Controversy Overshadows Celebration

What should have been a celebration of football talent became a hot topic of debate.

Between the Pope skit and Goodell’s unexpected performance, the night highlighted how far comedy can stretch—and how quickly social media can react when religious sensitivities are touched.

What’s Next?

The NFL Honors show now faces questions about its content choices for future ceremonies.

Will the league issue an apology for the controversial skit?

Will Hollywood actors tone down religious humor in football events?

Fans and critics alike are watching to see if this sparks a broader discussion about respect, entertainment, and the line between comedy and offense in live events.

Summary

Thursday’s NFL Honors in San Francisco aimed to celebrate football’s finest but was hijacked by controversy.

Bob Odenkirk’s portrayal of Pope Leo XIV drew accusations of blasphemy, while Commissioner Roger Goodell’s surprise DJ stint added to the night’s oddities.

Social media erupted with criticism, leaving fans and the NFL itself to navigate the fallout from a ceremony that promised awards but delivered debate.