The 2023 ESPY Awards are here, as some of the top athletes from around the world are in Los Angeles to celebrate and honor the past year in sports.
Alongside the recognition of the championship players, there will be performances from Lil’ Wayne and H.E.R. Also, the ESPYS will also honor inspiring and courageous athletes with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance and the Pat Tillman Award for Service.
Here are the top moments and award winners for the 2023 ESPY Awards:
Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award
Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks and former USWNT forward Lauren Holiday were honored with the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award for their work in uplifting Black communities, including supporting small businesses, nonprofits and donations to Historical Black Colleges and Universities. When accepting the award, Jrue Holiday preached about being kind to everyone.
“Sometimes I think being a human can be pretty simple. Just love the person next to you,” he said.
Best comeback athlete
NBA champion Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets was named the best comeback athlete, as he came back from a torn ACL to help give the Nuggets their first NBA title in franchise history.
Pat McAfee gives monologue, throws shade at Skip Bayless
There is no host for this year’s show, but soon-to-be ESPN personality Pat McAfee came on stage to deliver a monologue to preview the show. He mentioned some of the stars in attendance, as well as recognizing how incredible it is Damar Hamlin is in attendance. He also threw some shade at Skip Bayless.
Lil’ Wayne opens 2023 ESPY Awards with performance
Lil’ Wayne kicked off the award show with a sports-rendition of “A Milli,” and he had several people in the crowd up and loving the performance.
