Jon Hamm, the Emmy-winning actor, is set to host the NFL Honors, the league's annual awards show, marking its 15th anniversary on Thursday night in San Francisco. The show, airing on NBC and NFL Network, will cap off the season just days before the Super Bowl. Hamm, a lifelong football fan, brings extensive hosting experience to the role, having previously led shows ranging from Saturday Night Live to the ESPYs. However, he says the NFL Honors require a specific approach, focusing on celebrating players and their season rather than breaking new ground in comedy or offending anyone.
Beyond football, Hamm highlights the cultural significance of Super Bowl week, including the rise of global music stars like Bad Bunny, who will headline the Super Bowl halftime show after a major Grammys night. Bad Bunny's album 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos' won the top prize, making it the first all-Spanish language album to take home the award. Hamm, who attended Bad Bunny's historic residency and has become friends with the Puerto Rican superstar, praises his intelligence and artistic prowess.
The NFL Honors have evolved into a night players anticipate, providing a rare opportunity for them to gather and celebrate their achievements, including standout individual accomplishments that might not always be tied to postseason success. Hamm points to examples like Myles Garrett breaking the sack record, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these achievements.
As the NFL Honors celebrate their milestone year, Hamm emphasizes that the night is about bringing people together before the Super Bowl matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. He describes the ceremony as a 'gathering point' during the week, an 'appetizer' to the main event. With his hosting experience and lifelong football fandom, Hamm is poised to deliver a memorable and meaningful ceremony.
