Get ready for a night of football, fame, and unexpected connections—because when Jon Hamm takes the stage to host the NFL Honors, it’s not just about touchdowns and trophies. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can an awards show truly celebrate individual achievements without overshadowing the Super Bowl itself? Let’s dive in.
When Jon Hamm first attended the NFL Honors years ago, the event was still finding its identity. Fast forward to now, and the Emmy-winning actor is stepping into the spotlight as host for the show’s 15th anniversary in San Francisco. Airing on NBC and NFL Network just days before the Super Bowl, this celebration of the season’s standout moments promises to be a highlight in its own right.
“It was fun, even when they weren’t sure what it would become,” Hamm recalled during rehearsals at the Palace of Fine Arts. He fondly remembered watching Alec Baldwin host the inaugural ceremony in 2012, a moment that set the tone for what the NFL Honors could be. With his own hosting chops—from Saturday Night Live to the ESPYs—Hamm is no stranger to live audiences. But he’s quick to point out that this gig is different. “We’re not here to push boundaries or stir up controversy,” he explained. “It’s about honoring the players, celebrating their season, and setting the mood for a great Super Bowl.”
And this is the part most people miss: Beyond the football field, the NFL Honors reflect a broader cultural shift. Take Bad Bunny, for example. The global music sensation, fresh off a historic Grammy win for his all-Spanish-language album Debí Tirar Más Fotos, is set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. Hamm, who attended Bad Bunny’s groundbreaking residency in 2025 and shares a birthday with the Puerto Rican superstar, couldn’t be prouder. “He’s not just a brilliant artist—he’s a cultural force,” Hamm said. “His ability to engage and connect with audiences is what makes him the number one streamed artist in the world.”
But here’s the question: Does Bad Bunny’s rise signal a new era for representation in mainstream events like the Super Bowl? Hamm thinks so. “It’s about time we celebrate artists who break barriers,” he added.
Back to football, Hamm emphasized that the NFL Honors have become a meaningful night for players, especially those whose achievements aren’t tied to postseason glory. “Think about Myles Garrett breaking the sack record,” Hamm noted. “He might not be in the Super Bowl, but that’s still a monumental accomplishment worth celebrating.”
The event has also evolved into a rare gathering for players, who typically only meet on the field during their 17- or 18-game season. “It’s a night where they’re surrounded by their peers, just enjoying each other’s company,” Hamm said. “They deserve to be celebrated like this.”
As a lifelong football fan—first cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals and Rams, later the Kansas City Chiefs—Hamm knows the importance of setting aside team loyalties for this event. “It’s not about one team; it’s about honoring the entire season,” he said. And as the NFL Honors kick off Super Bowl week, Hamm sees it as the perfect appetizer for the main event: the matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots.
So, here’s the real question: Can an awards show like the NFL Honors stand on its own, or will it always be overshadowed by the Super Bowl? Let us know what you think in the comments—and don’t forget to tune in to see Hamm in action!
