All 36 athletes who have hosted 'Saturday Night Live'
Over the course of "SNL's" 52 seasons, 36 athletes have laced up their boots and tried something scarier than professional sports: sketch comedy.
In the history of Saturday Night Live, only 36 athletes have taken on the role of hosting the show. This includes notable figures such as Fran Tarkenton, OJ Simpson, Bill Russell, John Madden, Bob Uecker, and more recently, Knicks star Jalen Brunson, who will host the season 52 premiere on September 26, 2026. The first athlete to host the show was Fran Tarkenton in 1977, while he was still playing for the Minnesota Vikings.
Since then, athletes have continued to join the ranks of comedians and actors, bringing their unique skills and experiences to the studio.
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