Every year I thoroughly enjoy watching the ESPY awards. This night is more than just celebrating the achievements of athletes, it is also a time of reflection. If you ever feel as if your life is rough or not the greatest in the world, after hearing the emotional stories of the honorees you’ll realize how blessed you really are.
Two of the most heart wrenching moments from last night’s show were tributes to Zaevion Dobson (Arthur Ashe Award For Courage Honoree), and Craig Sager (Jim Valvano Award honoree). Zaevion lost his life to save the lives of his dear friends. He used his body as a shield to block the bullets of a drive-by shooting. Actor Michael B. Jordan was the narrator for the video montage and told the story through Zaevion’s eyes. Zaevion’s family and the girls he helped save, shared their thoughts and memories about this courageous young man. Tears were flowing everywhere.
Craig Sager is one of my favorite sports sideline reporters. He along with Calvin Murphy, are the only two men in the sports world that can wear an outrageous suit and look absolutely phenomenal in it. When I learned of his cancer diagnosis my heart ached for him. Although I never met him personally, his gentle and sweet spirit resonates through the television screen. Once again another emotional moment.
Overall, there were many more tributes and speeches that were so profound. Lebron James and his colleagues shared their heartfelt emotions on the recurring violence in our country and how we all must come together to make a difference.
View photos of my favorite highlights from the 2016 ESPY Awards below.
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: Andra Day during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One
(Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: Andra Day during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One
(Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: Andra Day during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One
(Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: Andra Day during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One
(Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: Craig Sager during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One
(Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: Chance the Rapper during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One
(Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One
(Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: Danica Patrick, Miles Teller and Eric Berry during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One (Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: Carmelo Anthony (l), Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One (Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: John Cena during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One (Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: Billie Jean King during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One (Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: John Cena and Sgt. Elizabeth Marks during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One (Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: Kyrie Irving (l), LeBron James and Kevin Love during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One (Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: Kyrie Irving (l), LeBron James and Kevin Love during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One (Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: Lindsey Vonn during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One (Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: Zenobia Dobson and her sons during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One (Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: Steph Curry during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One (Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: John Cena (l) and Hannibal Buress during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One (Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: Skylar Diggins (l), Usher Raymond IV, Aaron Rodgers and Richard Rodgers during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One (Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: Peyton Manning (l), Abby Wambach and Kobe Bryant during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One (Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: Tribute to Muhammad Ali during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One (Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: Peyton Manning (l), Abby Wambach and Kobe Bryant during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One (Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)
Los Angeles, CA – July 13, 2016 – Microsoft Theatre: Andra Day during The ESPYS Presented by Capital One (Photo by Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images)
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