Comedian Shane Gillis delivered a sharp and provocative opening monologue as the host of the 2025 ESPY Awards on Wednesday night, taking aim at a slew of well-known athletes and politicians. Using his trademark edgy humor, Gillis spotlighted NFL quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Shedeur Sanders, WNBA standout Caitlin Clark, veteran coach Bill Belichick, and even President Donald Trump during the event.
Among his various jabs, Gillis’ Aaron Rodgers vaccine joke stood out, playing on the quarterback’s vaccination stance and recent team move, sparking laughter from the audience while highlighting Rodgers’ ongoing public narrative.
Highlights of Shane Gillis’ NFL-Related Humor at the ESPYs
Gillis’ monologue featured a series of NFL-focused jokes, blending sports culture with pointed cultural commentary. Aaron Rodgers, who notably declined the COVID-19 vaccine and later joined the New York Jets, became a central figure in Gillis’ routine.
“Aaron Rodgers did not take the vaccine because he predicted that it would be bad for him and then he joined the New York Jets,”
Gillis said.
“So maybe he wasn’t right about everything.”
This punchline cleverly criticized Rodgers’ public refusal of vaccination while connecting it humorously to his surprising professional change.
Gillis also took a pointed jab at Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback whose jersey number was retired at Colorado under controversial circumstances.
“Shedeur Sanders had his jersey number retired at Colorado this year, and people are saying it was because of nepotism because of his father,”
Gillis said.
“And it’s not. It’s because he went 13-12 over his career and almost won the Alamo Bowl. Definitely not nepotism, right?”
This remark subtly questioned whether Sanders earned the honor on his own merits or through his famous family ties.
Another target was Bill Belichick, the legendary New England Patriots coach, who has been in the headlines for his relationship with a much younger partner.
“A bookie is what Bill Belichick reads to his girlfriend before bedtime,”
Gillis said.
“They read, ‘Very H**** Caterpillar, The Little Engine That Could But Needed A Pill First, and, of course, the classic, Good Night B**bs.’”
This joke referenced Belichick’s 73-year age gap with girlfriend Jordan Hudson, drawing attention to the unusual pairing with a comedic twist.
Gillis also invoked a classic Norm Macdonald-style joke in a roast of Travis Hunter, who won the Heisman Trophy this year and became the first defensive player since Charles Woodson to do so.
“Travis Hunter won the Heisman Trophy this year,”
Gillis said.
“He’s the first defensive player since Charles Woodson to win the Heisman. Congratulations, Travis Hunter, winning the Heisman, that’s something they can never take away from you. Unless you kill your wife and a waiter, in which case, they can take that away from you.”
Referencing Hunter’s achievement while darkly alluding to O.J. Simpson’s infamous scandal, this joke stirred both laughter and unease in equal measure.
Additional Jabs at NFL Teams and Players
Gillis’ routine extended to playful insults about other teams and athletes. He lampooned the Philadelphia Eagles’ signature “Tush Push” play with a mock movie trailer explanation.
“At the snap, you dive right into his bu**,”
Gillis said.
“Then both those guys behind him are going to grab him by the hips and shove him even harder into your bu**.”
The insult to the Dallas Cowboys, long-time rivals of the Philadelphia Eagles, came as no surprise given Gillis’ vocal fandom for Philadelphia’s team.
“Dallas sucks, go Birds. Only real teams are up for best team…,”
Gillis said.
He further humorously referenced multiple controversies, including Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson’s off-field allegations.
“Put your hands where my eyes can see is what they say when Deshaun Watson gets a massage,”
Gillis said.
This line alluded to the sexual harassment accusations Watson faced in 2021, which were widely publicized and settled in court.
Lastly, Gillis targeted Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby with a somewhat puzzling comment invoking Juneteenth.
“Maxx Crosby is here. Maxx, I hope you had a good Juneteenth, brother. Well, that guy’s weird,”
Gillis said.
Crosby, known for his toughness on the field, is often the subject of jokes and unique characterizations among fans and commentators.
Impact of Gillis’ ESPYs Monologue and What Lies Ahead
Shane Gillis’ monologue at the 2025 ESPY Awards underscored his reputation for controversial and high-energy comedy, using sports figures and recent events to provoke laughter and reflection in an intense, though uneasy, comedic style. By addressing current controversies, from vaccine skepticism to nepotism allegations and off-field scandals, he underscored the continuing cultural tensions intertwined with sports.
As the NFL and other leagues continue to navigate public controversies and evolving attitudes, moments like Gillis’ stand-up signal how sports figures remain inseparable from larger social conversations, often becoming targets or symbols in public discourse. Fans and athletes alike may anticipate future events where comedy and sports again intersect, shaping perceptions and fueling spirited reactions.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Are Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers friends?
A. Eventually, Rodgers mentioned that a “friendship” developed between him and Brady. They both love the Kentucky Derby and, for several years, attended the event with their own groups, sitting at tables next to each other. Additionally, both have taken part in The Match, a charity golf event held in June.
Q. How did Aaron Rodgers get so rich?
A. According to Spotrac, Rodgers has made around $380 million during his 20-year career in the NFL. Besides his earnings from football, he has made millions more through endorsements and partnerships with big companies. Additionally, he helped start an investment company called RX3.
Q. What did Peyton Manning say about Aaron Rodgers?
A. “I’m happy for Aaron,” Manning said. “This is a great chance for him. Experience is unique, and Aaron can really support these receivers. I believe the entire team also needs to contribute.”
Q. Do the Jets still owe Aaron Rodgers money?
A. Some people think the $49 million in dead money means the Jets owe Aaron Rodgers that amount, but this is incorrect.
The $49 million comes from money already paid to Rodgers, which was delayed to future years for salary cap reasons.