Sun Mar 02 12:10:00 UTC 2025: ## From Gridiron to 30 Rock: Pro Athletes’ Hilarious (and Sometimes Hilariously Awkward) “SNL” Hosting History
**New York, NY** – “Saturday Night Live,” celebrating its 50th season, has a long and storied history of celebrity hosts. But among the actors and musicians, a unique group stands out: professional athletes. While their usual arenas are stadiums and courts, some have bravely stepped onto the 30 Rockefeller Plaza stage, with wildly varying results.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson leads the pack, having hosted five times. Other notable appearances include Tom Brady’s surprisingly stiff 2005 performance and Chris Evert’s pioneering hosting gig in 1989, making her the first of only three female athletes to take on the challenge (following Nancy Kerrigan and Ronda Rousey).
The experience isn’t always smooth sailing. While some athletes shine, others struggle, creating moments described by a producer as “train wrecks” and “incredible surprises.” The show reportedly favors athletes fresh off high-profile events like the Super Bowl or Olympics to capitalize on their heightened public profile.
“SNL” cast member Heidi Gardner even spearheaded a successful campaign to get Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on the show, contingent on the Chiefs winning the Super Bowl – a condition he met in 2023.
Only around three dozen athletes have received the coveted invitation to test their comedic skills, showcasing the exclusive nature of this particular challenge. While the outcome is unpredictable, the tradition of athletes attempting to conquer the “SNL” stage continues to provide memorable – and often hilarious – television moments.
First Piper 