The 2026 ESPY Awards opened with a series of bold jokes as comedian Marcello Hernandez took aim at some of the biggest names in sports, delivering a monologue packed with celebrity roasts before an audience of athletes, coaches and entertainers in New York.
The Saturday Night Live star embraced the tradition of pushing boundaries during the annual awards ceremony, drawing laughter with jokes directed at golf icon Tiger Woods, legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick and several other prominent figures from across the sporting world.
Tiger Woods Becomes the Main Target of the Night
Hernandez’s most talked-about joke centered on Tiger Woods, referencing the golfer’s ongoing legal issues stemming from his driving under the influence arrest earlier this year.
After congratulating NFL quarterback Caleb Williams for appearing on the cover of the latest Madden video game, Hernandez shifted to Woods with a punchline suggesting the golf legend belonged on the cover of the Grand Theft Auto video game franchise.
The remark drew loud reactions from the audience before the comedian quickly reminded viewers that he remained a fan of Woods, joking that the line had simply been too good to leave out.
The joke revisited an incident that has continued to follow Woods since his arrest after his vehicle overturned near his Jupiter Island residence.
Although he pleaded not guilty and passed a breathalyzer test, authorities said he declined to provide a urine sample, while officers also reported finding two hydrocodone tablets in his possession.
Golf Legend Continues Recovery and Legal Process
Since the arrest, Woods has taken steps to address concerns surrounding his medication use by entering a rehabilitation program in Switzerland before returning to the United States in June.
The 15-time major champion has gradually resumed public appearances, including attending a PGA Tour press conference in Connecticut to support planned structural changes to the tour beginning in 2028.
His legal case remains active, with another court hearing scheduled for August 4.
Belichick’s Relationship Sparks Another Round of Comedy
Bill Belichick also found himself in Hernandez’s crosshairs as the comedian revisited the longtime discussion surrounding the former NFL coach’s relationship with 25-year-old Jordon Hudson.
While reflecting on how long it had been since the New York Knicks last won an NBA championship, Hernandez compared the timeline to Belichick’s personal life, joking that the coach was the same age as Hudson is today when the Knicks captured their previous title in 1973.
The remark continued a series of public jokes that have surrounded the couple since they confirmed their relationship in 2024, with the significant age difference frequently becoming material for comedians and television hosts.
ESPYs Continues Tradition of Celebrity Roasts
Belichick was the subject of similar jokes during the previous year’s ESPY Awards, when comedian Shane Gillis devoted part of his opening routine to the coach’s romance.
Gillis initially joked about baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani before pivoting to Belichick, quipping that “bookie” was what the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach supposedly read to Hudson before bedtime.
He later defended Belichick in exaggerated comedic fashion while mocking critics of the relationship.
The recurring jokes have become one of the most recognizable running themes during recent ESPY opening monologues.
More Sports Stars Caught in the Crossfire
Beyond Woods and Belichick, Hernandez broadened his routine to include jokes about the WNBA, boxer Jake Paul, New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and American sports fans.
One notable omission from the performance was celebrity couple Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, whose recent high-profile wedding in New York had generated widespread media attention but was left untouched during the comedian’s set.
Annual Awards Celebrate Sporting Excellence
Despite its reputation for opening with comedy, the ESPY Awards remains one of sports’ premier annual celebrations, recognizing outstanding individual and team achievements across the sporting calendar.
While comedians have frequently hosted the ceremony in recent years, the event has also been led by sporting icons, with Serena Williams and Stephen Curry among the athletes who have previously served as hosts.
Summary
Marcello Hernandez delivered one of the night’s biggest talking points at the 2026 ESPY Awards by roasting Tiger Woods over his ongoing DUI case and Bill Belichick over his relationship with Jordon Hudson.
His sharp opening monologue continued the ESPYs’ tradition of celebrity-focused comedy while also taking aim at several other figures from across the sports world before the annual awards honored the year’s top athletic achievements.
