Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning will host 2017 ESPYS

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

Sports Illustrated, Dan Gartland/Sports Illustrated

Peyton Manning will be the host of this year's ESPYS, ESPN's annual awards show, the network announced Tuesday.

Manning will be the first athlete from one of the four major sports to host the event since LeBron James co-hosted with Jimmy Kimmel in 2007. Hosting duties have typically been filled by actors and comedians. James, Lance Armstrong and WWE wrestler/actor John Cena are the only other athletes to host the event.

The 2017 edition of the show will be held on July 12 and will air on ABC for the third time.

Though he hasn't hosted an awards show before, Manning is no stranger to television. He frequently stars in commercials and drew rave reviews for his 2007 turn as host of Saturday Night Live.

“It's an honor to be asked to host The ESPYS, and it's even more meaningful that it's the 25th year for this incredible event,” Manning said in a statement. “The ESPYS have been a part of my life during my entire career—I can still remember attending my very first show back in 1998 before my rookie season in the NFL. Over the years, The ESPYS have celebrated some of my favorite athletes and sports moments. In addition to recognizing a special year in sports, the 25th ESPYS will allow us to go down memory lane and pay tribute to those who have played such a huge part in this program's success.”