2018 ESPY Awards Behind the Scenes with Danica Patrick and Show's Big Winners

The 26th annual ESPYs brought the feels early with an intense recap of the year’s most exciting and touching sports moments … then Danica Patrick lightened the mood.

Danica — the show’s first ever female host — came out hard with jokes … about Cleveland sports, J.R. Smith’s Finals blunder, LeBron’s hair, Ben Simmons joining the Kardashians — and even the National Anthem controversy.

As you can see, some went over better than others.

Then it was on to the awards, with Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell kicking things off with an ESPY win for Best Breakthrough Athlete. Other winners included the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team for Best Game, Baker Mayfield for Best College Athlete, and Nick Foles for Best Championship Performance.

Chloe Kim took home the ESPY for Best Female Athlete, Alex Ovechkin nabbed Best Male … and the Houston Astros won Best Team.

The evening also included powerful tributes to Bills QB legend Jim Kelly, who received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, Best Coach going to the 3 coaches killed in the Parkland shooting … and the sister survivors of sexual abuse by Larry Nassar being honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.

Check out the pics for a behind-the-scenes look at more of the ESPYs excitement.