fcwnmllX_400x400There were plenty of smiles, tears, and memorable moments at the 25th annual ESPYS in Los Angeles Wednesday night.

Former NFL star Payton Manning hosted the show which he kicked off with a comedy routine. Manning had the audience laughing hysterically as he joked about his retirement and picked-fun at the expense of the biggest stars in sports.

Jon Stewart presented the Pat Tillamn Award for Service to U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Isreal Del Toro for his excellence and perseverance in both his military service and athletic achievements.  The former parachute jumper suffered third-degree burns on over 80 percent of his body, but still serves in teh Air Force and competes in adaptive sports.

New Orleans Saints superfan Jarrius Robertson received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. The 15-year-old kept a positive attitude through 13 surgeries and 2 liver transplants. “Don’t ever give up. These are the words by Jimmy V I have been living by my entire life,” Robertson said. “I have been doing things I never thought I could have done before – and earning the Jimmy V award tonight is amazing.”

Former First Lady Michelle Obama presented the Arthur Ashe Courage Award this year to Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the creator of the Special Olympics in 1968. Shriver was the sister of John F. Kennedy and passed away in 2009.

“Eunice Kennedy Shriver was a passionate champion for those with developmental challenges, empowering them to fulfill their highest potential,” Obama said. “Her work to promote inclusion and acceptance transformed the lives of countless young athletes and inspired us all. I am incredibly honored to present this award to her son to celebrate her life’s work.”

The legendary broadcaster Vin Scully was also recognized by receiving the Icon Award. He began his award speech with the same phrase he used to begin his Los Angeles Dodgers games: “Hi everybody, and a very pleasant good evening to you.” Scully was a broadcaster for the Dodgers baseball games for a record-breaking 67 years.

Russell Westbrook won best male athlete while Olympic gymnast Simone Biles earned best female athlete. Westbook was the NBA MVP and set a record for most triple-doubles in a season with 42. The Oklahoma City Thunder star beat out some tough competition, including Kris Bryant of the Cubs and Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Biles became the most decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast at the Rio de Janeiro Games, winning five medals, including four golds and a bronze. She beat out Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky, WNBA star Serena Williams for the honor. She was one of three double winners, also bringing home best female Olympic athlete.

Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps won best male Olympic athlete and record-setting performance for extending his record Olympic medal haul at the games. In addition, Aaron Rodgers won best NFL player and shared best play with then-Green Bay Packers teammate Jared Cook. Jordy Nelson, another Packer, took home best comeback honors.

The Patriots and Falcons shared the best-game award for the Super Bowl, which the New England team won after a furious comeback. Tom Brady led the Patriots on five straight scoring drives as the team scored 31 straight points. It was the first overtime in the Super Bowl’s 51-year history.

The Chicago Cubs recieved a trophy as well for best moment. The Cubs’ thrilling seven-game World Series victory over the Cleveland Indians ended a 108-year title drought. Longtime Cubs fan Bill Murray accepted the award on the team’s behalf, popping open a couple of bottles of champagne while on stage with former Cubs player David Ross and actor and fellow Cubs fan Nick Offerman.

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