Let's watch two champions. On May 9 of 1973, Johnny Carson welcomed one of the world's great athletes, Pelé, to The Tonight Show. Pelé, as I'm sure you've read, recently passed away, causing mass mourning in Brazil. His coffin was carried through the streets on top of a fire engine, with huge crowds turning out to pay their respects.
His appearance on Johnny's show was an interesting spot because Pelé spoke almost no English and Johnny decided — and I'd love to know why — to attempt the spot without an interpreter. He also did something that few (if any) current talk show hosts would attempt — a physical demonstration of some soccer moves.
Most hosts today would avoid it. It couldn't be written in advance. Too much improvisation would be involved. The host might look stupid and inept. But it was never dull when Johnny tried something like that…