While hosting the ESPYs, an awards show honoring top athletes, New Orleans-native actor Anthony Mackie took the opportunity to recognize a notable title-holding attendee from his neck of the woods.
“I’m most excited tonight because one of my favorite athletes from New Orleans is in the house,” Mackie started, before telling a certain recently-retired quarterback that he’s moved on to the next big thing.
“Sorry, Drew Brees. You’re old news,” Mackie quipped. “You don’t count no more.”
Mackie then put the spotlight on a different trophy-winner living in the New Orleans area.
“I’m talking about the spelling bee champ!” Mackie announced as he danced and smiled. “Yeah, the world-record holding basketball phenom!”
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At that point, Mackie pointed out 14-year-old Scripps National Spelling Bee champion and Harvey, La., native Zaila Avant-Garde, calling her “NOLA’s finest.”
Avant-Garde has garnered a good bit of publicity in the days following her victory. Both LSU and Southern University have offered her full scholarships before she even begins high school.