Prince Harry made a surprise appearance at the NFL Honors in Las Vegas on Thursday, presenting the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award to Cameron Heyward. The Duke of Sussex was invited by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to attend the event, which was attended by various celebrities and sports personalities.
Although it would have been convenient for Prince Harry to stay in Las Vegas and attend the Super Bowl on Sunday, he and his wife, Meghan Markle, have other commitments and won't be present at Super Bowl LVIII. This week, they are busy preparing for their trip to Canada for the opening event of the Invictus Games.
Prince Harry is no stranger to sports and has previously attended the Super Bowl. In 2022, he attended the game with his cousin Princess Eugenie. Speculations were circulating that the Sussexes might attend this year's Super Bowl as guests of their friends and neighbors, Paramount CEO Brian Robbins and his wife, Tracy. This was fueled by the fact that the couple had traveled with them to Jamaica last month for the premiere of the Bob Marley biopic, 'One Love.' However, it seems that these rumors were unfounded.
Prince Harry's appearance at the NFL Honors event was met with excitement and admiration. He even managed to make a few jokes about American football during his speech. In a lighthearted manner, he poked fun at the differences between rugby and American football, commenting on things like passing the ball forwards instead of backwards and the frequent breaks in the game.
The NFL Honors event is known for inviting celebrities as a way to add excitement and star power to the evening. Celebrities like Issa Rae, Gayle King, Janelle Monáe, and Justin Hartley have been guests in previous years. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell understands the value of celebrity names and how they can positively impact the football league.
In a recent interview, Goodell even acknowledged the boost in viewership that came from Taylor Swift's association with Travis Kelce. He noted that Swift's love for NFL football added a level of entertainment to the game. Goodell described both Swift and Kelce as wonderful young people who seemed very happy together.
Ultimately, Prince Harry's surprise appearance at the NFL Honors event created quite a buzz, showcasing his support for sports and his commitment to charitable endeavors like the Invictus Games. While he may not be attending the Super Bowl this year, his presence was a welcome surprise for attendees and football fans alike.
