NFL Honors

The lighting for NFL Honors was led by 22 Degrees, with Lighting Designer Jon Kusner shaping a cinematic environment that reflected the scale and prestige of the NFL’s biggest awards.

Set against San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts and its historic gazebo, the lighting elevated the ceremony from arrival through the presentation of the league’s top accolades, blending architectural presence with performance lighting. Host Jon Hamm guided the evening in a live broadcast spanning NBC, NFL Network, and Peacock. Programming by Kirk J. Miller and Lighting Direction by Tyler Ericson brought clarity and rhythm to a night built around celebration, legacy and standout moments from the season.

For Kusner, the lighting approach began with pragmatism. “Lighting is often a reactive sport,” he explained, noting that the design grew directly out of the stage architecture and scenic intent. Structural weight limits at the venue informed a more streamlined plot than in past years, shifting the challenge toward efficiency: achieving impact with fewer fixtures while preserving clarity for broadcast.

That balance led the team toward familiar, dependable workhorse fixtures, paired with selective use of newer technology where it meaningfully improved performance. Among the most notable additions were the Martin Professional VDO Sceptron XB, which Kusner described as a thoughtful evolution of an already proven product, taking something solid and making it better. Kusner deployed these on the left and right entrance tunnels adjacent to the video screens.

Environmental lighting included the Roxx Neo Light, marking the fixture’s first use in a live production. With performances rotating quickly through the venue, including back-to-back shows for Sting and The Killers, the system was built to support rapid transitions and collaboration with visiting lighting designers.

PRG was proud to support the production as a lighting partner, providing equipment, crew, and technical execution in close collaboration with the creative team.

Lighting Credits

Lighting Design: 22 Degrees
Lighting Designer: Jon Kusner
Lighting Director: Tyler Ericson
Lighting Director/Programmer: Kirk J. Miller
Lighting Director / Board Operator: Ron Martin
Red Carpet Lighting Director: Madigan Stehly
Red Carpet Lighting Director/Programmer: Sam Paine

NFL Honors 2026 – Red Carpet

PRG Chief Tech: Vince Kinslow
PRG Lead Tech: Emin Hagopian
PRG Lead Tech: Dave Hernandez
Lead Best Boy: Paul Bell Jr
Best Boy: Jason Beck
Best Boy: Justin Martel
Best Boy: Mike O’Reilly

NFL Honors 2026 – Main Show

Gaffer: RJ Styles
Lead Best Boy: Chris Moeller
Best Boy: Bobby Tacoma
Best Boy: Oscar Quintero
PRG Chief Tech: Matt Geneczko
PRG Lead Tech: Keith Meola
PRG Account Executive / Spectron Tech: Tony Ward
PRG Project Manager: Pat Osuna