Actor Samuel L. Jackson will return as host of ESPN's 17th annual ESPY awards this July, the sports network announced Tuesday.
The deal marks the fourth time the Pulp Fiction and Shaft star will host the ESPYs, which commemorate the past year in sports by recognizing major achievements.. Jackson will be joined by a litany of as-yet- announced top athletes and entertainers on the show, which will tape July 15 from the Nokia Theatre in LA and air on ESPN July 15.
"It's a pleasure to bring back Samuel L. Jackson as host. Not only is he one of the most talented actors, his passion and enthusiasm for sports make him a great host for the ESPYs," said Maura Mandt, ESPN executive producer for The 2009 ESPYs in a statement. "Sam has already created some of the funniest moments in the ESPYs with his skits like ‘The Comeback', and we can't wait for him to do more."
Added Jackson: "I am very excited to host The 2009 ESPYs and celebrate some of the most remarkable athletes from all over the world ...It's no secret that I have had a life-long love of sports and the ESPYs give me and the fans a chance to see our favorite athletes come together to celebrate their fantastic achievements over the past year."
