Full Breakdown
2026 ESPYS Spotlight Special Honorees: Jason Collins, Jim Abbott, and Scott Ruskan
6/23/2026, 12:14:04 PM
Special Honors Announced for the 2026 ESPYS
The 2026 ESPYS, hosted by Marcello Hernández, will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, New York City. The ceremony will air live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT, stream on ESPN+ via the ESPN App, and be available the following day on Disney+, Hulu, the ESPN App, and ABC Video on Demand. Three special awards will be presented: the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage (posthumously to Jason Collins), the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance (to Jim Abbott), and the Pat Tillman Award for Service (to Scott Ruskan).
Historical Context of the Awards
The Arthur Ashe Award honors individuals who impact society beyond sport by confronting injustice or stigma. The Jimmy V Award recognizes perseverance in the face of adversity, named for ESPN founder Jim Valvano. The Pat Tillman Award celebrates service that mirrors the legacy of former NFL player and Army Ranger Pat Tillman. All three awards have been part of the ESPYS since the early 2000s and support the V Foundation for Cancer Research, which has raised more than $292 million and funded over $458 million in cancer-research grants.
Profiles of the Honorees
- Jason Collins – In 2013, Collins became the NBA’s first openly gay active player, expanding LGBTQ+ visibility in the four major U.S. professional leagues. He was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma in 2025 and died on May 12, 2026, at age 47. His award will be accepted by his twin brother, Jarron Collins.
- Jim Abbott – A former MLB pitcher born without a right hand, Abbott debuted directly in the majors after being selected in the first round of the 1989 draft by the California Angels. He pitched a no-hitter for the New York Yankees on September 4, 1993 and completed a ten-year career, becoming a reference point for athletes with limb differences.
- Scott Ruskan – A U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer and former Rider University track athlete, Ruskan led a July 4, 2025 rescue at Camp Mystic during severe weather. He remained on the ground while his helicopter evacuated children, organized triage, and helped secure 165 rescues on a day that recorded 27 fatalities.
Significance and Impact
Collins’ recognition underscores the ongoing relevance of LGBTQ+ inclusion in professional sport. Abbott’s award highlights the capacity of athletes with disabilities to achieve at the highest level, influencing subsequent figures such as Shaquem Griffin and Carson Pickett. Ruskan’s honor illustrates the intersection of athletic training and emergency service, reinforcing the ESPYS’ broader mission to celebrate service beyond competition.
Official Statements & Responses
ESPN Vice President and ESPYS Executive Producer Craig Lazarus said the awards “remind us of the incredible power of the human spirit” and that the honorees exemplify “courage, perseverance, and selfless service.” Jarron Collins described accepting his brother’s award as “profoundly bittersweet but deeply meaningful,” emphasizing the lasting legacy of visibility and love. ESPN’s communications reiterated that the ceremony will raise further awareness and funds for the V Foundation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Every year, these awards remind us of the incredible power of the human spirit, and this year’s honorees are the absolute definition of that,” — Craig Lazarus, ESPN Vice President and The ESPYS Executive Producer
- “Whether breaking barriers on the court, defying expectations on the diamond, or answering the call of duty in a time of crisis, Jason Collins, Jim Abbott, and Scott Ruskan have all shown what it truly means to live a life of courage, perseverance, and selfless service. It is a profound honor for us to share their stories and highlight their impact at The 2026 ESPYS.” — Craig Lazarus, ESPN Vice President and The ESPYS Executive Producer
- “It is profoundly bittersweet but deeply meaningful to accept the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage on my brother's behalf, celebrating a legacy of visibility, strength, and love that will endure forever,” — Jarron Collins, former NBA player
- “The award is given to a deserving member of the sports world who has made a difference beyond the field of play by fighting for what they believe in, ultimately impacting people worldwide.” — Arthur Ashe Award description (ESPN press release)
- “What set him apart was that he was the only person who stayed behind—voluntarily grounded—so others could be lifted out to safety.” — Pat Tillman Award description (ESPN press release)
Upcoming Broadcast Details
The ceremony will be streamed live on ESPN+ and later on Disney+, Hulu, the ESPN App, and ABC Video on Demand. The event will also feature performances and tributes to the year’s major athletic achievements.
