The ESPY Awards have hosted many memorable moments that have been funny, emotional or both, cameos from Jim Valvano, Caitlyn Jenner, LeBron James, Pat Summitt, Drake, Jamie Foxx, Justin Timberlake and more.
Jim Valvano's Speech (1993)
At the first ESPY Awards, Jim Valvano gave one of the most memorable and inspirational speeches in sports history. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer a year earlier and passed away a month after the show. Since then, the Perseverance Award has been named in his honor.
Pat Summitt's Speech (2012)
In August 2011, Summitt, one of the greatest college basketball coaches in history was diagnosed with Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease. After finishing the 2011-2012 season with another SEC championship, Summit retired. At the 2012 ESPYs Summit received The Arthur Ashe Courage Award.
Stuart Scott's Speech (2014)
Receiving the Jimmy V Perseverance Award, Scott said, "When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live." His powerful acceptance speech taught us many things, most importantly, never give up and never stop fighting.
Leah Still's Moment (2015)
In June 2014, 5-year-old Leah Still, daughter of NFL defensive lineman Devon Still, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma stage 4 cancer, giving her a 50 percent chance of survival. At the 2015 ESPYs, Devon accepted The Jimmy V Perseverance Award on her behalf. In January 2016, Leah became cancer free.
Caitlyn Jenner's Speech (2015)
Jenner won the 2015 Arthur Ashe Courage Award and two months after coming out as a transgender woman, gave one of the most powerful speeches in the history of the ESPYs. Jenner continues to inspire millions across the world to not be afraid of who they are.
Justin Timberlake's "I Love Sports" (2008)
In 2008, host Justin Timberlake sang to his audience about why he loves sports.
Justin Timberlake's Skit (2008)
Timberlake also used his Saturday Night Live skills to give us one of the best skits in ESPYs history.
Drake's Honorable Mentions
Drake took a page out of Justin Timberlake’s playbook, singing a song about the sports world's No. 2s. He then followed that up with a song about athlete's sidepieces and sung Frozen's "Let It Go" with Manny Pacquiao.
Will Ferrell As Tiger Woods (2008)
When Woods was unable to accept his award for Best Male Athlete due to injury, Ferrell took to the stage to accept it for him, as Tiger Woods, of course
Jamie Foxx Calls Out LeBron James (2003)
Jamie Foxx took to the coaching board to take shots at any athlete he could think of. Coach Do Dirty called out those from 18-year-old LeBron James to Charles Barkley to Pete Rose.
Jamie Foxx (2004)
Foxx returned the next year to disrupt Gary Payton and Terrell Owens' speeches. He was NOT happy to miss out on Coach of the Year.
Joel McHale's Monologue (2015)
In his opening monologue, McHale did not hold anything back, making fun of just about every single thing that happened in sports over that year.
"What's So Funny" 30 For 30 (2015)
Chris Berman then announced the newest trailer for the 30 for 30 series, "What’s So Funny – The Joel McHale ESPY Monologue."
Paul Rudd And Steve Carrell's Decision (2010)
At the 2010 ESPYs, just over a week after LeBron James made his decision to join the Miami Heat on national television, Paul Rudd and Steve Carrell made a decision of their own.
LeBron James' Bobby Brown Impression (2007)
James told the ESPYs audience what his prerogative was.
Peyton Manning's "The Blind Side" Parody
At the 2010 ESPYs Peyton Manning starred in his own version of "The Blind Side." This hilarious parody called "The Dark Side" is definitely one of Peyton’s best acting performances.
Inglewood Jack (2002)
Chris Chelios recalls Samuel L. Jackson coaching youth hockey. Sort of.
More ESPYs:
-- More Memorable ESPY Moments
-- Von Miller Gets Suited Up For 2015 ESPYs
-- Best Dressed Athletes At 2014 ESPYs
-- Royals Star Jeremy Guthrie Dazzles With Air Jordan Shoes At 2015 ESPY Awards
