Stephen Curry Hugs Host's Mom at ESPYs After Playful Challenge

Stephen Curry made headlines at the 2026 ESPY Awards on July 16 when he accepted a playful dare to hug the mother of host Marcello Hernandez. The Golden State Warriors star was first honored with the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award for his work with the Eat. Learn. Play Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife, Ayesha Curry, in Oakland.

What happened at the ESPYs?

During the ceremony, Hernandez challenged Curry to prove his GOAT status by hugging his mother, who was seated behind the NBA legend. "STEPH CURRY, I KNOW YOU’RE HERE. IF YOU’RE REALLY ONE OF THE GOATS, GET UP AND GIVE MY MAMA A KISS, MAN," Hernandez said. Curry, ever the good sport, obliged with a warm embrace, delighting the crowd.

Why this moment matters for Stephen Curry

Beyond the lighthearted moment, Curry’s appearance at the ESPYs highlighted his dual legacy-both as an NBA icon and a dedicated philanthropist. The 38-year-old has long been recognized for his activism, and the award reinforced his impact off the court. His career stats-24.8 points, 6.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game-alongside four NBA championships and two MVP awards, cement his place in basketball history.

What’s next for Curry?

As debates continue over his place in the GOAT conversation, Curry remains a polarizing figure. While some, like Shaquille O’Neal, argue his shooting revolutionized the game, others question his two-way dominance compared to legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Regardless, Curry’s influence-both on and off the court-continues to grow.