Forget the politicized ESPYs — and the dodgy backroom Disney maneuvering behind its choice for the Arthur Ashe Courage Award — if you want to see an awards show that’s actually about athletics, tune in tonight (Thursday, July 16) at 8 p.m. ET for Nickelodeon’s “Kids’ Choice Sports Awards,” coming live from Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, California.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback and public Christian Russell Wilson — who recently made headlines when the 26-year-old said he and his girlfriend, singer Ciara, are holding off on sex until marriage — is the host for the ceremony, in which kid viewers get to vote on their favorite athletes and sports moments.
Here’s a shot of Wilson, who has lead his team to two Super Bowls and won one, and Ciara from the ESPYs, which he tagged as “The One” on Twitter:
And here’s another tweet from Wilson, from earlier today:
#BVD “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” Proverbs 21:21 NIV — Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) July 16, 2015
“Kids’ Choice Sports” nominees include Wilson’s teammate, running back Marshawn Lynch, tennis champ Serena Williams, New York Giants super-catcher Odell Beckham Jr., NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas. Also being honored is New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, who’s getting the Legends award.
Also, three lucky youngsters between the ages of 9 and 14 will be able to win $50,000 in sports challenges held during the live broadcast. Auditions were held across the country starting in early June.
Speaking during a press conference, Wilson said:
Well, I wanted to host because growing up as a kid I always wanted to be slimed, and, last year, I had the fortunate situation to go to their award show and win an award. I was sitting next to my manager, Matt, and [NFL player turned talk-show host] Michael Strahan was hosting it. I said, “Dude, I want to do that so bad. You know, I’d love to do that one day.”
And, you know, three months later, Nickelodeon calls me and tell me the kids and Nickelodeon wanted me to be the host. It was an automatic “yes” from me, an instant “yes.”
So, I can’t wait. It’s going to be an awesome experience. It’s something I’ve never done before, but it’s something that I’m really looking forward to doing and it’s something…it’s kind of like playing quarterback. You know, you’ve got to orchestrate the whole deal, so I can’t wait.
I’ll bring the energy, you know, that’s the thing. I’m an energetic person.
I love kids. I love being around them. And so hopefully, it’ll be a great time and the kids will truly enjoy their experience.
Speaking of being “slimed” — a longtime Nick tradition — Wilson has a list of people he’d like to see covered in green goo. At the top of it is a star of Wilson’s other favorite sport, baseball … who, perhaps coincidentally, will be at the awards:
I think that has to be Derek Jeter—that would be good one. One of my all time favorite players and people. And then after him, I think Malcolm Butler would be a good one too to get him back after that Super Bowl.
Butler was the New England Patriots player who intercepted a late pass from Wilson, preventing a Seahawks touchdown and helping to guarantee a win for his team. If you haven’t read his story, click here — it’s inspiring.
Asked what advice he’d give to kids, Wilson — who had to overcome the early death of his beloved father — said:
The advice I would give, I would play and do as much as you can, get outside and do as much as you can. For me, growing up, I was fortunate to play three sports as a little kid. And obviously I play two sports now and have the fortunate situation to be able to do that.
But it’s not just about being athletic, it’s about being culturally diverse. I’ve been able to meet so many different people from so many different socioeconomic statuses and people from all over the world—from China to Japan to Cuba to Venezuela. So, so many different people that I’ve been able to interact with them, and developed great friendships with.
And so, that’s what life’s about and especially in our culture nowadays. It’s an evolving culture where we meet so many different people. I think that also, health-wise, it’s really good for you to get outside and do as much you can and to participate and to have fun. And so that’s the advice I always give kids.
As for his own favorite athlete growing up, Wilson said:
My favorite athlete growing up, I’d say [NBA star] Michael Jordan, Derek Jeter, and I’d probably say [New Orleans Saints quarterback] Drew Brees throughout middle school, high school. Those three guys were probably my favorites. I also really liked [NFL quarterback] Joe Montana, too, as a young kid. All those guys I really admired.
Wilson’s inspiration to play football came from family:
My dad and my brother truly inspired me to play football, you know. Growing up, we always had a football in the house. I remember my brother and I throwing the touchdown ball that my dad caught against the San Francisco 49ers when he played for the [San Diego] Chargers.
So we used to throw that around the house all the time. We used to break a lot of glass. I think being around my dad and my brother, those are the people that really inspired me to do it.
With any luck, Wilson may one day have a kid of his own for a game of catch. Stay tuned …
Image: Courtesy Nickelodeon
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