The 2026 ESPY Awards opened with plenty of laughs, but host Marcello Hernandez also delivered some of the night’s most talked-about moments. The Saturday Night Live comedian took aim at several major sports figures during his opening monologue in New York on Wednesday, including golf legend Tiger Woods and former NFL coach Bill Belichick. Speaking in front of athletes, celebrities and sports executives, Hernandez mixed sports humor with personal jabs, drawing loud reactions from the audience. His comments about Woods’ recent DUI case and Belichick’s relationship with Jordon Hudson quickly stood out as the biggest talking points of the night.
Marcello Hernandez jokes about Tiger Woods’ DUI case during ESPYs monologue
While congratulating Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams on appearing on the cover of the popular football video game Madden, Hernandez suddenly turned his attention to Woods.“And Tiger Woods will be on the cover of Grand Theft Auto.”The joke immediately drew laughs from the crowd. Hernandez then added:“I love you Tiger, I’m a big fan. It was just written so well.”The comment referenced Woods’ DUI case earlier this year. According to reports, the 15-time major champion was arrested in March after a crash near his Jupiter Island home. Woods later pleaded not guilty. Reports also said he passed a breathalyzer test, though police found two hydrocodone pills in his pocket and said he declined to provide a urine sample.After the incident, Woods entered a rehabilitation facility in Switzerland to help manage his medications. He later returned to the United States in June. His next court hearing is scheduled for August 4.The golfer has gradually returned to public appearances in recent weeks. In late June, he attended a PGA Tour press conference in Connecticut, where he voiced support for planned changes to the tour’s season structure beginning in 2028.
Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson relationship becomes another target
Later in the monologue, Hernandez shifted his focus to Belichick and his relationship with 25-year-old Jordon Hudson.“The Knicks won their first championship since 1973,” he said before adding, “just to put into perspective how long ago that was, 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 joke was another reference to the age gap between Belichick, 74, and Hudson. Their relationship has frequently been discussed since they went public as a couple in 2024.The ESPYs have featured similar humor before. During the 2025 ceremony, comedian Shane Gillis also joked about Belichick and Hudson while discussing baseball star Shohei Ohtani.‘“Bookie” is what Bill Belichick reads to his girlfriend before bedtime,’ Gillis said during last year’s event.Hernandez’s monologue also included jokes about the WNBA, Jake Paul, Jalen Brunson and American sports fans. One notable omission was any mention of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, whose recent wedding has dominated entertainment and sports headlines.The ESPY Awards honor the biggest individual and team achievements in sports each year. While recent ceremonies have been hosted by athletes such as Serena Williams and Steph Curry, this year’s event handed the microphone to Hernandez, whose opening remarks ensured the ceremony started with plenty of attention.
