If you were part of the sports world — or even just tuned in — Shane Gillis had something to say about you on Wednesday night.
The comedian held nothing back during his unfiltered opening monologue at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, taking aim at a wide range of topics.
Gillis joked about everything from Aaron Rodgers’ vaccine stance and Caitlin Clark’s future after the WNBA, to Bill Belichick’s relationship with Jordon Hudson, Shohei Ohtani’s scandal involving his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, Shedeur Sanders’ jersey retirement at Colorado, and even President Donald Trump and Mets slugger Juan Soto.
Shane Gillis takes the stage at the 2025 ESPY Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on July 16, 2025.
On social media, many drew comparisons between Gillis and the late Norm Macdonald, whose infamous 1998 ESPYs monologue stirred controversy with a pointed joke about O.J. Simpson — a frequent target during his time on Saturday Night Live.
Embracing the parallel, Gillis paid homage to the moment by reviving the same Simpson joke, swapping out Charles Woodson’s name for two-way Jaguars standout Travis Hunter.
Gillis’ signature brand of love-it-or-hate-it comedy sparked a predictably mixed reaction across social media.
“I thought Shane Gillis killed his monologue at the ESPYs. And he capped it off with a tribute to Norm Macdonald,” one user wrote on X.
Another chimed in with praise: “If you were offended by Shane Gillis’ ESPYs monologue, I can assure you no one likes hanging out with you.”
Shane Gillis’ trademark polarizing humor drew a predictably divided response on social media.
“I thought Shane Gillis crushed his monologue at the ESPYs — and closed it with a great nod to Norm Macdonald,” one user posted on X.
Another supporter added, “If you were offended by Shane Gillis’ ESPYs monologue, I can guarantee no one enjoys being around you.”
“How do you boo that joke, man?” one user wrote. “People are so sensitive these days — that was hilarious.”
Another fan posted, “I mean, these are good. Just let him host every year.”
Still, not everyone was on board with Gillis’ material.
Not everyone was impressed by Gillis’ performance.
“I’m not even offended — this stuff just isn’t funny,” one critic wrote. “So many people are bad at stand-up and still try anyway. Waaaaaack.”
Another added, “I’m seeing all these jokes on my timeline, but none of them are really hitting. Maybe I just have a different sense of humor, but his whole act feels lazy — low-hanging fruit.”
