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.
Jalen Brunson will host the 52nd season premiere of Saturday Night Live on September 26, 2026. This makes him one of only 36 athletes to have ever hosted the show. The first athlete to host was Fran Tarkenton on January 29, 1977, followed by OJ Simpson in 1978, Bill Russell in 1979, John Madden in 1982, Bob Uecker in 1984, and many others.
Notable athletes who have hosted include Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Nancy Kerrigan. The list of athletes who have taken on the role of SNL host includes football players, baseball players, boxers, wrestlers, and even a Yankees manager.
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