Basking in HoF Glory, TNT Godfather Joins 31YO Fitness Freak Only to Leave Fans and Kenny Smith Ecstatic

TNT’s Inside the NBA crew is always there for each other. Recently, the show’s longest tenured member was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. The Godfather then teamed up with another sports favorite for a Peloton session, receiving admiration from both fans and Kenny ‘The Jet’ Smith.

In the buildup to his Hall of Fame induction, Ernie Johnson joined 31-year-old Puma athlete and Peloton instructor, Alex Toussaint. Expressing gratitude for the legend, Toussaint paid tribute to Johnson’s legacy with a few heartfelt words.

Kenny Smith approves of Alex Toussaint’s tribute to Ernie Johnson

While the fans are ecstatic to witness their beloved commentator receive HoF recognition, Johnson’s TNT co-hosts are also equally thrilled. The ceremony took place on December 12 in New York. Ernie was even surprised by co-hosts during the ceremony as they skipped out on the TNT coverage to support the Godfather. More on that later.

As his big day approached, Ernie found his way to Alex Toussaint’s Peloton studio, where he received a warm welcome from the 31-year-old internet personality. Notably, the Peloton star previously won the 2022 Celebrity All-Star Game MVP. In a recently shared IG clip, we can see the 67-year-old cycling with a group as Toussaint said, “We’ve got a legendary figure in the building today. My brother from another, representing the NBA on TNT family and getting honored in the sports broadcasting Hall of Fame this week! Ernie Johnson!”

“It’s always an honor to have greatness in the building today baby,” Alex Toussaint concluded. Kenny ‘The Jet’ Smith also commented on the post. The 2x NBA champion wrote, “That’s” along with fire emojis to show his approval of Toussaint’s tribute. Numerous fans expressed their excitement in the comments section. One of the fans wrote, “It’s hard not to respect EJ.” While another wrote, “Everyone loves Ernie! How could you not.”

Toussaint also holds an existing relationship with Ernie. He previously made an appearance on the Steam Room podcast with Johnson and Charles Barkley.

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Before the Hall of Fame induction, Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal paid tribute to their ‘Godfather’ in a video featuring all three analysts. During his speech, Ernie made sure to express his gratitude for his ‘friends and family’.

Ernie Johnson’s touching poem for the HOF crowd

Naturally, the 67-year-old legend narrated a special poem to show his gratitude to his friends and family. The poem was aimed to return the love and support he has received throughout his career. As Barkley mentioned once, everyone loves Johnson.

O’Neal even mentioned how he used to watch the ‘Inside the NBA’ show just for Ernie Johnson. On his big day, Ernie pulled out another class act by sharing his love and emotions on the stage.

A part of his poem read, “Blessed to have parents who showed me to know a guy, Jesus, who guides me each day. Blessed with co-workers who are really much more, they’re friends and family right down to the core.” That’s what makes the ‘Inside Guys’ such a special part of the NBA.

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Have you listened to Ernie Johnson’s HoF speech? What was your reaction? Let us know in the comments section below.