The NFL is adding a little Hollywood flair to one of its biggest nights.
The league announced that Jon Hamm will host the 15th annual NFL Honors, set for Feb. 5, 2026, at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. The ceremony, presented by Invisalign, will celebrate the top players, coaches and standout moments from the 2025 NFL season.
The hosting news immediately got fans talking. Hamm is best known for his Emmy-winning role as Don Draper on “Mad Men,” but he’s also proven he knows how to command a live audience. Between multiple stints hosting “Saturday Night Live” and appearances at major awards shows, Hamm brings a mix of polish, humor and ease that fits the tone of the NFL’s milestone 15th anniversary celebration.
A Big Night for Football’s Biggest Names
NFL Honors serves as the league’s official awards stage, handing out some of the most prestigious honors in the sport. That includes AP Most Valuable Player, Coach of the Year, Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
This year’s ceremony will also introduce a new permanent category, the Protector of the Year Award, which recognizes the league’s top offensive lineman, per Parade. The addition is designed to spotlight a position that plays a critical role in team success but often flies under the radar.
The show will air live at 9 p.m. ET on NBC and NFL Network, with streaming available on Peacock and NFL+. Fans can also catch the NFL Honors Red Carpet Show at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network ahead of the main event, per Touchdown Wire. The league noted that the broadcast will not air live in all time zones and that local blackout restrictions may apply.
In a statement shared with NBC Bay Area, Hamm said he was excited to take on the role. “Week after week, the NFL delivers performances that remind you why this game means so much to so many people,” he said. “I’m honored to host an evening that celebrates the players, their immense talents, and the unforgettable moments that defined this season.”
Fans Can’t Stop Talking About That Meme
While the NFL announcement was the main event, fans quickly turned the conversation toward Hamm’s latest viral moment.
After the league shared the hosting news on Instagram, the comments section filled up fast, with several fans referencing Hamm’s recent TikTok and Instagram meme moment from the Apple TV series “Your Friends and Neighbors.” One fan wrote, “Meme is coming,” while another added, “I hope he redoes the TikTok.”
The viral clip features Hamm dancing in a nightclub scene as his character, Andrew “Coop” Cooper, and it’s been everywhere on social media in recent weeks, per USA Today. Creators have repurposed the moment to celebrate joy, nostalgia and carefree energy, turning it into one of the most recognizable memes of the season.
The scene originally aired months ago, but it recently took off as users paired it with throwback club music and shared it across platforms. The response has highlighted a more playful, self-aware side of Hamm that fans clearly love.
With Jon Hamm set to host and fans already anticipating meme-worthy moments, the 15th annual NFL Honors is shaping up to be a celebration that blends football excellence with pop culture buzz. As Hamm put it, the night will honor “the unforgettable moments that defined this season.”
