<figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6ab6c95feb7225411267ad28?format=jpeg" height="2845" width="4023" alt="alen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks celebrates after making a three-point basket late during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons in Game Six of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 01, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan."><figcaption>Jalen Brunson will host the season 52 premiere of "Saturday Night Live."<p class="copyright">Gregory Shamus/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure><ul class="summary-list"><li>Usually, "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/where-are-they-now-snl-cast-members-2019-7" data-autoaffiliated="false">Saturday Night Live</a>" is hosted by an actor or comedian, or sometimes a musician.</li><li>But every so often, a brave athlete will try their hand at live sketch comedy at Studio 8H.</li><li>Jalen Brunson will be the latest to give it a go on September 26, 2026.</li></ul><p>Who wants to bet we'll hear "Live from New York, Knicks in five!" this weekend? Anyone?</p><p>Maybe you'd be more willing to take those odds when you learn that Knicks star <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/jalen-brunson-knicks-msg-sports-entertainment-stock-price-market-impact-2026-6">Jalen Brunson</a> is hosting "Saturday Night Live" this weekend, making him a part of a somewhat rare club: the athlete who's tried their hand at sketch comedy and hosted "SNL."</p><p>In over 1,000 episodes of the show, just 36 athletes have taken the big job at Studio 8H.</p><p>Charles Barkley, Travis Kelce, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/michael-jordan-cursed-competitive-mindset-made-great-nba-retirement-nascar-2026-4">Michael Jordan</a>, Ronda Rousey, Wayne Gretzky, LeBron James, Nancy Kerrigan, and Michael Phelps have all hosted the show before, to varying degrees of success, so Brunson is in good company.</p><p>Here's the full list of athletes who have hosted "SNL."</p><div id="slideshow"><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">The first athlete to ever host "Saturday Night Live" was Fran Tarkenton on January 29, 1977, while he was playing for the Minnesota Vikings.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e3991faab49fd06445c2d55?format=jpeg" height="1950" width="2600" charset="" alt="fran tarkenton snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 13 — Air Date 01/29/1977 –Pictured: (l-r) John Belushi, football star Fran Tarkenton during "Community Appeal" skit on January 29, 1977<p class="copyright">NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Tarkenton hosted during the second season of the show, with musical guests Leo Sayer and Donny Harper. The famed quarterback appeared on the show just 10 days after his team lost to the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XI.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">On February 25, 1978, controversial former football pro OJ Simpson became the second athlete to host "Saturday Night Live."</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e38383aab49fd1aca2761c9?format=jpeg" height="1492" width="1989" charset="" alt="oj simpson snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 12 — Pictured: O.J. Simpson during the monologue on February 25, 1978<p class="copyright">NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Simpson can be seen here wearing one of the famous Coneheads. He appeared on the episode alongside musical guest Ashford and Simpson.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Legendary basketball player Bill Russell hosted on November 3, 1979.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e383960ab49fd1bfd311624?format=jpeg" height="1080" width="1440" charset="" alt="bill russell snl"><figcaption>"SNL."<p class="copyright">NBCUniversal</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Russell's episode aired during season five of the show, and he was accompanied by musical guest Chicago.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Football coaching icon John Madden made his way to Studio 8H on January 30, 1982.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e3839c6ab49fd1c2f616595?format=jpeg" height="1492" width="1990" charset="" alt="john madden snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 10 — Aired 01/30/1982 — Pictured: (l-r) John Madden as himself during the "Bengal's Locker Room" skit on January 30, 1982. (<p class="copyright">NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>During this time, Madden was working as a sportscaster for NFL games — clearly, hosting was in his wheelhouse. The musical guest for this season seven episode was Jennifer Holliday.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Former baseball player, Milwaukee Brewers announcer, and occasional actor Bob Uecker took on hosting duties during the October 13, 1984, episode.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e3839f2ab49fd5a5218b252?format=jpeg" height="1605" width="2140" charset="" alt="bob uecker snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 2 — Pictured: Bob Uecker during the Monologue on October 13, 1984<p class="copyright">Reggie Lewis/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Uecker was the announcer for the Milwaukee Brewers for over 50 years, until his death in January 2025. He also made frequent appearances as "Mr. Baseball" on "The Tonight Show" under Johnny Carson's tenure, and starred on "Mr. Belvedere" for over 100 episodes.</p><p>Uecker was joined by Peter Wolf as the musical guest in this season 10 episode.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Former NFL defensive tackle and actor Alex Karras hosted on February 2, 1985.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e383a1cab49fd484703e958?format=jpeg" height="1467" width="1956" charset="" alt="alex karras snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 12 — Pictured: Alex Karras during the monologue on February 2, 1985<p class="copyright">Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Karras appeared 15 years after he retired from the NFL in 1970. He was smack in the middle of his starring role on the sitcom "Webster," in which he played a retired football player who took in his godson, Webster, after his parents died.</p><p>The musical guest in this season 10 episode was none other than the queen herself, Tina Turner.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Pro wrestlers Mr. T and Hulk Hogan co-hosted on March 30, 1985.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e383a4bab49fd1c7f564c4aformat=jpeg" height="1139" width="1518" charset="" alt="mr t hulk hogan snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 15 — Aired 03/30/1985 — Pictured: (l-r) Mr. T, Hulk Hogan during the monologue on March 30, 1985<p class="copyright">Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Season 10 was filled to the brim with athletic hosts, including two of the most famous professional wrestlers of all time, Mr. T and Hulk Hogan, on the night before the very first WrestleMania took place on March 31, 1985, at Madison Square Garden.</p><p>The wrestlers were joined by The Commodores in season 10, episode 16.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Marvelous Marvin Hagler, one of the greatest middleweight boxers of all time, showed off his comedic chops on May 17, 1986. He co-hosted with journalist Jimmy Breslin.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e399ba5ab49fd46ce317512?format=jpeg" height="1465" width="1953" charset="" alt="marvin hagler snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 17 — Pictured: Marvelous Marvin Hagler during the 'Knockout Tips' skit on May 17/1986<p class="copyright">RM Lewis Jr./NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Hagler hosted the show two months after what was his most recent victory (and what turned out to be his last career win ever) against John Mugabi, a silver medalist from Uganda.</p><p>Breslin and Hagler were joined by musical guests Level 42 and E.G. Daily.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Beloved Yankees manager Billy Martin co-hosted the season 11 finale with Anjelica Huston on May 24, 1986.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e383d19ab49fd1dce57e733?format=jpeg" height="1492" width="1989" charset="" alt="billy martin snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 18 — Pictured: (l-r) Billy Martin, Jon Lovitz as Mephistopheles during the 'Tempting Billy' skit on May 24, 1986<p class="copyright">Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>"SNL" loves paying homage to its New York heritage, as evidenced by the 11th season finale, which saw beloved former Yankee second baseman and <a target="_blank" href="http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2003503_2003501_2003497,00.html">frequently fired manager</a> host the show, alongside Huston.</p><p>In the episode's final moments, "SNL" creator Lorne Michaels "fires" Martin for drinking on the job, and Martin retaliates by setting the dressing rooms on fire, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1986-06-06-8602100649-story.html">prompting the message</a> "Who will survive? Tune in October 11" to flash across the screen, poking fun at the dramatic soap opera cliffhangers that were popular at the time.</p><p>Huston and Martin's episode included George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic as musical guests. </p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Football stars Joe Montana and Walter Payton co-hosted an episode that aired the night before the Super Bowl, on January 24, 1987.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e383d5fab49fd49db32f927?format=jpeg" height="1314" width="1752" charset="" alt="walter payton joe montana snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 9 — Air Date 01/24/1987 –Pictured: (l-r) Walter Payton, Joe Montana, Dana Carvey as Church Lady during the "Church Chat" skit on January 24, 1987<p class="copyright">R.M. Lewis Jr./NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Payton, one of the most beloved football players of all time — <a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com/?h=20efc627affe9b655b9c17e795272de179b7683b9c7c5184351feb5f1a9811b0&postID=5e383488ab49fd44b147b714&postSlug=every-athlete-who-has-hosted-saturday-night-live&tags=service%3Acapi&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.espn.com%2Fchicago%2Fnfl%2Fstory%2F_%2Fid%2F7038378%2Fflaws-all-walter-payton-sweetness">he was known as "Sweetness"</a> around the NFL — had just finished the last season of his 13-year career when he hosted the ninth episode of season 12 alongside Montana.</p><p>Montana, not to be outdone, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.biography.com/athlete/joe-montana">had two Super Bowl wins</a> under his belt (and would go on to win two more).</p><p>Payton and Montana, and the rest of the audience, were regaled by the sounds of Debbie Harry as musical guest.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Carl Weathers was a professional athlete before he pivoted to acting — he played football for five years. He hosted "SNL" on January 30, 1988.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e399c1cab49fd07da6908daformat=jpeg" height="980" width="1306" charset="" alt="carl weathers snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 10 — Pictured: Carl Weathers during the monologue<p class="copyright">Al Levine/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Weathers is now known, of course, for his role as Apollo Creed in the "Rocky" movies, as well as for playing Greef Karga in "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/the-mandalorian">The Mandalorian"</a> before his death in February 2024.</p><p>But before that, he played professional football for five years with the Oakland Raiders and the BC Lions (of the Canadian League).</p><p>He hosted the January 30, 1988, episode as part of the promo tour for his February 1988 film "Action Jackson" and was also fresh off his part in "Predator" as Dillon.</p><p>The musical guest for season 13, episode 10, was Robbie Robertson.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Wayne Gretzky, arguably the most famous hockey player of all time, hosted on May 13, 1989.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e383e83ab49fd01b90de8d5?format=jpeg" height="1465" width="1953" charset="" alt="wayne gretzky snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 19 — Pictured: Wayne Gretzky during the monologue rehearsal on May 13, 1989<p class="copyright">Raymond Bonar/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Gretzky appeared as the "SNL" host in May 1989, right after his first season on the Los Angeles Kings had concluded — his first season playing for an American team. </p><p>Gretzky was joined by Fine Young Cannibals, of "She Drives Me Crazy" fame.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Tennis player Chris Evert was the first female athlete to host the show. She hosted on November 11, 1989.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e383ebbab49fd00e206ec75?format=jpeg" height="932" width="1243" charset="" alt="chris evert snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 5 — Pictured: Chris Evert during the 'Opening Monologue' on November 11, 1989<p class="copyright">Alan Singer/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Evert appeared on the show just one month after she had <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Blast_From_the_Past/78144/on-this-day-legendary-chris-evert-retires-from-tennis-at-the-age-of-34/">retired from professional tennis</a> on October 9, after 18 Grand Slam singles titles.</p><p>That season 15 episode also starred the Eurythmics as the musical guest.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Michael Jordan took his turn on the 30 Rock stage on September 28, 1991, just a few months after winning his first NBA championship.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e383ee4ab49fd01c01328e9?format=jpeg" height="1465" width="1953" charset="" alt="michael jordan snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 1 — Pictured: Host Michael Jordan during the monologue on September 28, 1991<p class="copyright">Raymond Bonar/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Jordan and the Chicago Bulls won their first NBA championship on June 12, 1991 — then Jordan took his talents to NYC for the premiere of season 17 in September. Jordan was joined by musical guest Public Enemy.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Charles Barkley has hosted "SNL" four times, most recently on March 3, 2018.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e3846cdab49fd224c28fc09?format=jpeg" height="1157" width="1543" charset="" alt="charles barkley snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 1739 "Charles Barkley" — Pictured: Charles Barkley during the Opening Monologue in Studio 8H on Saturday, March 3, 2018<p class="copyright">Will Heath/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>The 11-time NBA All-Star hosted for the first time during the season 19 premiere on September 25, 1993 — the same year he was voted the <a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com/?h=52750a53f2b64a8dc763570682414d5258b6555513834533699fd7935c365247&postID=5e383488ab49fd44b147b714&postSlug=every-athlete-who-has-hosted-saturday-night-live&tags=service%3Acapi&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.espn.com%2Fnba%2Fhistory%2Fawards%2F_%2Fyear%2F1993">NBA's overall MVP</a>. The episode's musical guest was Nirvana.</p><p>He returned almost two decades later on January 9, 2010, during season 35. It was the first episode to air in the 2010s, and Alicia Keys was the musical guest.</p><p>Barkley returned two years later for the 11th episode of season 37, this time accompanied by Kelly Clarkson, on January 7, 2012. Earlier that day, he was a guest commentator for the NFL Wild Card playoffs, which was taped next door to "SNL."</p><p>His fourth appearance on the show was on March 3, 2018, during season 43, and he was joined by musical guest Migos.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Nancy Kerrigan hosted "SNL" on March 12, 1994, a few weeks after she won a silver medal at the Olympics and two months after the brutal attack in Detroit.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e383f1aab49fd4aae38a7db?format=jpeg" height="1200" width="1600" charset="" alt="nancy kerrigan snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 15 — Aired 03/12/1994 — Pictured: Host Nancy Kerrigan during the monologue on March 12, 1994<p class="copyright">Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Kerrigan hosted "SNL" after earning a silver medal in figure skating at the 1994 Olympics in February. It also came after a <a target="_blank" href="https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19940302&slug=1898015">few less-than-stellar media gaffes</a>, including complaining about participating in a Disney World parade and dissing gold medalist Oksana Baiul.</p><p>Kerrigan hosted the 15th episode of season 19, which boasted Aretha Franklin as musical guest.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Boxer George Foreman made his "SNL" debut on December 17, 1994, two months after he became the oldest fighter ever to win a World Championship.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e383f72ab49fd4ad651df6aformat=jpeg" height="1472" width="1963" charset="" alt="george foreman snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 9 — Aired 12/17/1994 — Pictured: George Foreman during the monologue on December 17, 1994<p class="copyright">Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>At 45 years old, Foreman became the oldest fighter to ever win a World Championship when he bested Michael Moorer on November 5, 1994. The next month, he headed over to Studio 8H to try his hand at hosting "SNL," accompanied by musical guest Hole, during the ninth episode of season 20.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">One month after he won his first Super Bowl, Deion Sanders hosted "SNL" on February 18, 1995.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e383fe8ab49fd5d6345da69?format=jpeg" height="1080" width="1440" charset="" alt="Deion Sanders snl"><figcaption>"SNL"<p class="copyright">NBCUniversal</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>At the time, Sanders was a cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers. He earned his first Super Bowl ring on January 29, 1995. Only a few weeks later, he made the cross-country trip to Manhattan and hosted this season 20 episode, with musical guest Bon Jovi.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has hosted five times: March 18, 2000; April 13, 2002; March 7, 2009; March 28, 2015; and May 20, 2017.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e384043ab49fd4b8a0349cc?format=jpeg" height="1157" width="1543" charset="" alt="the rock snl 2017"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — "Dwayne Johnson" Episode 1725 — Pictured: Dwayne Johnson during "Opening Monologue" in Studio 8H on May 20, 2017<p class="copyright">Will Heath/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Johnson is more well-known for his acting career than his wrestling one at this point, but when he made his "SNL" debut in 2000 with musical guest AC/DC, he was still credited as The Rock and was fully entrenched in WWF fighting.</p><p>The next time he appeared, in 2002, he had made his feature film debut in "The Mummy Returns," and he was there to promote his first leading role in April 2002's "The Scorpion King," with musical guest Andrew W.K.</p><p>Johnson returned seven years later with musical guest Ray LaMontagne in 2009 to promote "Race to Witch Mountain." He made another hosting appearance in 2015 in season 40 with musical guest George Ezra — this time, for his role in "Furious 7."</p><p>Most recently, he joined the Five-Timers Club in 2017, hosting the season 42 finale, accompanied by Katy Perry, promoting none other than "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1469304/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_21">Baywatch</a>."</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">New York superhero and one of the most famous Yankees of all time, Derek Jeter, hosted on December 1, 2001.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e38409aab49fd036629c7f5?format=jpeg" height="1521" width="2029" charset="" alt="derek jeter snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 7 — Air Date 12/01/2001 — Pictured: (l-r) Derek Jeter, Seth Meyers during "Weekend Update" on December 1, 2001<p class="copyright">Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Though the Yankees lost the World Series that year, Jeter was still a local hero to many New Yorkers that season, especially after the devastating effect that 9/11 had on the city and the country. The 2001 World Series was the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0694824/?ref_=fn_al_tt_6">first professional sports championship</a> that was played after the attack.</p><p>The baseball player brought the laughs, alongside musical guests Shakira and Bubba Sparxxx in season 27, episode seven.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Jonny Moseley, a famed freestyle skier, hosted the post-Olympics show on March 2, 2002.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e3840ccab49fd5db242af87?format=jpeg" height="1387" width="1850" charset="" alt="jonny moseley snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 13 — Air Date 03/02/2002 — Pictured: Host Jonny Moseley during the monologue on March 2, 2002<p class="copyright">Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Though Moseley just missed medaling at the 2002 games (he placed fourth), he had earned a gold medal in 1998, and he'd made a name for himself <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jonnymoseley.com/about">as the first skier to medal</a> in both the X Games and the Olympics — he's been named <a target="_blank" href="https://www.skimag.com/adventure/top-10-most-influential-skiers-all-time#&gid=ci01fe1c51501a2590&pid=9-jonny-moseley">one of the most influential skiers ever</a>.</p><p>He hosted episode 13 of season 27, with musical guest Outkast.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">NASCAR icon Jeff Gordon traded the track for the stage on January 11, 2003.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e384124ab49fd026d53f25c?format=jpeg" height="1036" width="1381" charset="" alt="jeff gordon snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 9 — Aired 01/11/2003 — Pictured: Jeff Gordon during the monologue on January 11, 2003<p class="copyright">Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Gordon appeared as the "SNL" host smack in the middle of his illustrious racing career — he'd already won the Daytona 500 twice and the Winston Cup four times.</p><p>In perhaps the most 2003 episode of "SNL" ever, Gordon was accompanied by musical guest Avril Lavigne, who performed her hit, "Complicated."</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">The reigning US Open Tennis champion Andy Roddick hosted "SNL" on November 8, 2003.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e384160ab49fd202f109a4aformat=jpeg" height="1559" width="2079" charset="" alt="andy roddick finesse mitchell snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 5 — Air Date 11/08/2003 — Pictured: (l-r) Maya Rudolph, Andy Roddick, Finesse Mitchell as Andre 3000, Rachel Dratch during the monologue on November 8, 2003<p class="copyright">Mary Ellen Matthews/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Roddick earned his one and only Grand Slam title in September 2003, a few weeks prior to his hosting gig. He was joined in this season 29 episode by Dave Matthews & Friends, and his fellow tennis pro, John McEnroe, who made multiple cameos throughout the episode.</p><p>Of course, McEnroe is known to a whole new generation as the beloved narrator of "Never Have I Ever."</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Tom Brady was fresh off his third Super Bowl win when he hosted the April 16, 2005, episode of "SNL."</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e38418dab49fd02845f73bc?format=jpeg" height="1495" width="1993" charset="" alt="tom brady snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 17 — Aired 04/16/2005 — Pictured: Tom Brady during the monologue<p class="copyright">Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Brady was well on his way to cementing his GOAT status in football, but, in classic Brady fashion, he just had to take it a step further by trying out a whole new skill: sketch comedy. The quarterback had just won his third Super Bowl in February 2005 against the Philadelphia Eagles when he hosted the 17th episode of season 30.</p><p>Brady was joined by musical guest Beck.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Cyclist Lance Armstrong hosted an episode on October 29, 2005, while his fiancée Sheryl Crow was the musical guest.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e3841bcab49fd206440ff4b?format=jpeg" height="1329" width="1771" charset="" alt="lance armstrong snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 4 — Air Date 10/29/2005 — Pictured: (l-r) Seth Meyers as Donnie Brantly, Lance Armstrong during "Celebrity Ironman" skit<p class="copyright">Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>During the fourth episode of 31, "SNL" essentially became a date night for Armstrong and Crow, who, at the time, were one of the biggest celebrity couples. They split the following year.</p><p>Armstrong was tapped to host the show after winning the Tour de France in July, his seventh win and his final race before his (first) retirement. This win <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/23/sports/cycling/armstrong-stripped-of-his-7-tour-de-france-titles.html">would later be stripped</a> after Armstrong's doping controversy in 2012.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning hosted an episode on his 31st birthday, March 24, 2007.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e3841e3ab49fd4c130114f0?format=jpeg" height="1345" width="1793" charset="" alt="peyton manning snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — Episode 16 — Aired 03/24/2007 — Pictured: Peyton Manning during the monologue on March 24, 2007<p class="copyright">Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>He was also the newly crowned Super Bowl MVP — just a few weeks before, his team, the Indianapolis Colts, had beaten the Chicago Bears in February.</p><p>The football legend was not only joined by musical guest Carrie Underwood, but also by his <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/peyton-manning-interview-omaha-productions-tv-middle-america-disney-hulu-2025-6">brothers Eli</a> and Cooper, his father Archie, and his mother Olivia to wish him a happy birthday later on in the show.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">LeBron James was not yet the basketball powerhouse we all know him to be when he hosted on September 29, 2007.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e38459aab49fd21c60a1a7aformat=jpeg" height="1080" width="1440" charset="" alt="lebron james snl"><figcaption>"SNL"<p class="copyright">NBCUniversal</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Well, technically, James had been<em> </em>the All-Star Game MVP in 2006 before he took his talents to 30 Rockefeller Plaza to host the season 33 premiere on September 29, 2007, but he didn't yet have his four NBA championship titles.</p><p>The future "Space Jam: A New Legacy" star was joined by musical guest Kanye West.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">For the second year in a row, an athlete hosted the season premiere, as Michael Phelps hosted the season 34 premiere on September 13, 2008.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e384694ab49fd05881c97c1?format=jpeg" height="1011" width="1349" charset="" alt="michael phelps snl"><figcaption>"SNL"<p class="copyright">NBCUniversal</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Phelps was one month off his record-breaking performance at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, where he won eight gold medals. During his appearance on the show, he was joined by some all-star cameos — famously, Tina Fey as Sarah Palin for the first time.</p><p>In fact, this was the episode when she proclaimed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSOLz1YBFG0&t=21s">she could see Russia from her house</a>.</p><p>The episode's musical guest was Lil Wayne.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Five years after his older brother hosted, Giants quarterback Eli Manning took on hosting duties on May 5, 2012.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e3846ffab49fd606a6e4be7?format=jpeg" height="1473" width="1964" charset="" alt="eli manning snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE –"Eli Manning" Episode 1618 — Pictured: Eli Manning<p class="copyright">Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Also like his brother, Manning hosted the sketch show during season 37 after he won the Super Bowl, this time in February 2012 against the New England Patriots.</p><p>As "SNL" is filmed in New York, having the Giants quarterback in the studio to host was a real hometown hero moment — and his Giants teammates Chris Snee, David Baas, David Diehl, and Shaun O'Hara joined in on the fun.</p><p>The musical guest was equally, if not more iconic: Rihanna.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Ronda Rousey became the first female wrestler to host "SNL" when she appeared in Studio 8H on January 23, 2016.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e38473eab49fd224c28fc10?format=jpeg" height="1157" width="1543" charset="" alt="ronda rousey snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — "Ronda Rousey" Episode 1694 — Pictured: (l-r) Ronda Rousey and Kate McKinnon as Justin Bieber during the monologue on January 23, 2016<p class="copyright">Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Rousey hosted the 11th episode of season 41, a few months after she had fought the infamous match against Holly Holm, which resulted in Rousey leaving UFC for over a year — and, on a more positive note, a few months after she had been named the best female athlete of all time by <a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com/?h=1389c03222f9684b16c0aef31e998fa23ba8a712b50c177a53a870fc1010ff8f&postID=5e383488ab49fd44b147b714&postSlug=every-athlete-who-has-hosted-saturday-night-live&tags=service%3Acapi&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.espn.com%2Fespnw%2Fnews-commentary%2Fstory%2F_%2Fid%2F13465064%2Fbest-female-athlete-ever-bracket%3Fex_cid%3DespnW_newsletter_09142015_1">ESPN</a>.</p><p>Rousey was joined by musical guest Selena Gomez.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">John Cena became the second wrestler host of 2016 when he tried out hosting during the December 10 episode.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e38477aab49fd606a6e4bef?format=jpeg" height="1538" width="2050" charset="" alt="john cena snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — "John Cena" Episode 1713 — Pictured: Host John Cena on December 6, 2016<p class="copyright">Rosalind O'Connor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Cena had a very busy 2016 — he began appearing on the reality series "Total Bellas" alongside then-girlfriend Nikki Bella, hosted the reality competition "American Grit," hosted the 2016 ESPY Awards, and then capped it off with "SNL," all while appearing at WWE events.</p><p>The wrestler was joined by Maren Morris as musical guest.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">NFL star JJ Watt hosted the February 1, 2020, episode.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/5e3847b1ab49fd4e5f7f8259?format=jpeg" height="1443" width="1924" charset="" alt="jj watt snl"><figcaption>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE — "JJ Watt" Episode 1779 — Pictured: Host JJ Watt during the monologue on Saturday, February 1, 2020<p class="copyright">Will Heath/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>In one of the final in-studio episodes of season 45, Watt, then a defensive end for the Houston Texans, hosted the show alongside musical guest Luke Combs.</p><p>His episode was the night before <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/super-bowl-liv-chiefs-49ers-best-moments-plays-2020-2">Super Bowl LIV</a>.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Newly minted two-time Super Bowl champ Travis Kelce hosted on March 4, 2023.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6ab6c1e9eb7225411267accf?format=jpeg" height="1882" width="2509" charset="" alt="Travis Kelce, Kelsea Ballerini Episode 1840 — Pictured: Host Travis Kelce during the Monologue on Saturday, March 4, 2023"><figcaption>Travis Kelce, Kelsea Ballerini Episode 1840 — Pictured: Host Travis Kelce during the Monologue on Saturday, March 4, 2023<p class="copyright">Will Heath/NBC/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Kelce, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, hosted the episode with musical guest Kelsea Ballerini. His parents, Donna and Ed, and his brother, Jason, also made cameos.</p><p>Of course, since his episode aired, he's picked up another Super Bowl ring — and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/taylor-swift-travis-kelce-wedding-details-date-location-guest-list-2026-6">another ring on his left hand</a>, too.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Jalen Brunson, Knicks legend and NBA Finals MVP, will host the premiere of season 52 on September 26, 2026.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6ab6c350d15f8a572974ac5d?format=jpeg" height="2000" width="2667" charset="" alt="Host Jalen Brunson during Promos on Tuesday, September 22, 2026"><figcaption>Host Jalen Brunson during Promos on Tuesday, September 22, 2026<p class="copyright">Rosalind O'Connor/NBC/Getty Images</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>New Yorkers will cap off a wonderful year to be a Knicks fan with Brunson's episode of "SNL." He'll be joined by musical guest Katseye.</p></div></div></div><div class="read-original">Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/every-athlete-who-has-hosted-saturday-night-live">Business Insider</a></div>