ESPYs 2014: Full Viewing Info, List of Presenters and Predictions for Each Award
While practically every major sport is on hiatus for one reason or another, we're lucky enough to see our favorite athletes on display as they take the stage at the 2014 ESPY Awards.
This well-timed awards showcase put on by ESPN brings a bevy of talent to the same place from many areas of the entertainment industry. From athletes to singers, actors and producers, some of the industry's biggest names are sure to provide a memorable event.
Needless to say, this isn't an awards show any sports fan—or anyone simply seeking some great entertainment—should miss.
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Here's a look at how to watch this sports extravaganza, followed by a full list of presenters and predictions for each award.
Viewing Info
When: Wednesday, July 16
Where: Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Channel: ESPN
Presenters
| Jessica Alba | Actor |
| Jeff Bridges | Actor |
| Jordana Brewster | Actor |
| Victor Cruz | New York Giants Wide Receiver |
| Cameron Diaz | Actor |
| Taye Diggs | Actor |
| Kevin Durant | Oklahoma City Thunder Small Forward |
| Colin Kaepernick | San Francisco 49ers Quarterback |
| Dan Marino | NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback |
| Floyd Mayweather | Boxing Welterweight Champion |
| Jim Parsons | Actor |
| Danica Patrick | NASCAR Driver |
| Jason Segal | Actor |
| Maria Sharapova | Tennis Player |
| Kiefer Sutherland | Actor |
| Russell Wilson | Seattle Seahawks Quarterback |
Predictions
| Best Male Athlete | Peyton Manning |
| Best Female Athlete | Ronda Rousey |
| Best Championship Performance | David Ortiz |
| Best Breakthrough Athlete | Richard Sherman |
| Best Upset | UConn |
| Best Game | Alabama vs. Auburn |
| Best Team | UConn |
| Best Coach / Manager | Geno Auriemma |
| Best Comeback Athlete | Russell Westbrook |
| Best International Athlete | Rafael Nadal |
| Best Female College Athlete | Breanna Stewart |
| Best Fighter | Floyd Mayweather |
| Best WNBA Player | Maya Moore |
| Best Male Athlete With Disability | Evan Strong |
| Best Moment | Durant MVP Speech |
| Best NFL Player | Peyton Manning |
| Best Bowler | Pete Weber |
| Best Male Golfer | Adam Scott |
| Best Female Athlete With Disability | Oksana Masters |
| Best NBA Player | Kevin Durant |
| Best Jockey | Victor Espinoza |
| Best Female Golfer | Inbee Park |
| Best Male Action Sports Athlete | David Wise |
| Best MLB Player | Clayton Kershaw |
| Best MLS Player | Tim Cahill |
| Best Male Tennis Player | Rafael Nadal |
| Best Female Action Sports Athlete | Jamie Anderson |
| Best NHL Player | Henrik Lundqvist |
| Best Male U.S. Olympian | Charlie White |
| Best Female Tennis Player | Maria Sharapova |
| Best Play | Davis FG Return |
| Best Driver | Jimmie Johnson |
| Best Female U.S. Olympian | Meryl Davis |
| Best Male College Athlete | Jameis Winston |
The full list of nominees can be found here.
Best Male Athlete
What more can be said about Peyton Manning that hasn't already?
Not only has Manning been a fantastic role model, but he's made a dramatic impact on the NFL's quarterback position over his career.
Wine gets better with age, and it appears Manning does as well. At the age of 38, the Denver Broncos quarterback put together his best-ever season, completing 68.3 percent of his passes for 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns against just 10 interceptions for a passer rating of 115.1.
Not only were last season's yardage and touchdown totals his career best, but they also became new NFL records.
Apparently, Manning's NFL peers thought highly of his play as well:
It's tough to find a season-long performance nearly as dominant.
Best Breakthrough Athlete
Whether you love him or hate him, it's tough to deny Richard Sherman's prowess on the football field.
Last season, Sherman racked up 48 tackles, 16 passes defensed and eight interceptions—one went for a touchdown—for the Seattle Seahawks.
Sure, it could be argued that Sherman didn't exactly break out last year, as he matched his eight-interception total from one year prior; however, his consistently high level of play against the league's elite wide receivers is simply incredible.
What made his 2013-14 season stand out was his postseason play. In three games, he recorded 10 tackles and two passes defensed. That may not seem like much until you consider that one of those deflections led to a Super Bowl berth.
Vernon Hargreaves, who happens to be one of college football's most dominant cornerbacks, has a very high level of admiration for the Seahawks corner:
Sherman has become one of the most recognizable football players in the world thanks to his stellar play and interesting off-the-field conduct. That recognition will reward him with an ESPY.
Best Play
There's a bevy of incredible plays up for nomination here; although, none may be as exciting as Chris Davis' improbable return of a missed field goal for a game-winning touchdown against Alabama in the Iron Bowl.
The play became such a part of Auburn's lore, the grounds crew painted his path to the end zone on the field. Take a look:
Just in case you don't remember how the play went down—or simply want to see it again (and again, and again)—here's a quick look back in time:
Even though there's a strong amount of competition in this category, can any of the other nominees come close to that breathtaking finish? Probably not.
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