Pat McAfee Goes All-In with the World Wide Leader
The 36-year-old punter for the Indianapolis Colts who has become a media sensation said Tuesday that he and his “Pat McAfee Show” business are joining ESPN. This fall, his show will debut at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN, ESPN+, and the network’s YouTube channel.
McAfee teased the transition last month by tweeting a photo of himself with Disney CEO Bob Iger. Even though he and his team are aware they will need to significantly tone down the shenanigans, McAfee was adamant they would still maintain creative control of the show, an article by USA Today reported.
In a video shared on social media, McAfee reaffirmed his stance, saying, “We ain’t changing,” while rumours of a deal were circulating.
- McAfee has previously worked with ESPN as a commentator on the popular college football pregame show, “College GameDay.”
- He and his crew have also provided alternate broadcasts for college football games through Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions.
- ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro acknowledged McAfee’s talent and the success of “The Pat McAfee Show,” stating that it has become a highly engaging program in both sports and media.
- Pitaro expressed excitement about bringing McAfee and his show to ESPN, highlighting its appeal as a destination for athlete interviews and breaking news.
- The collaboration will involve a multifaceted, multiplatform approach, further expanding the reach and impact of McAfee’s show within the ESPN network.
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McAfee is quitting his four-year, $120 million arrangement with FanDuel, the YouTube show’s sponsor, that started last year in favour of ESPN.
McAfee, an All-Pro punter in 2014 and two-time Pro Bowl selection, retired from football in 2016 at the age of 29 and immediately began working at Barstool Sports. When McAfee, who is still located in Indianapolis, departed the company in September 2018, his show, which had previously been a two-hour daily radio program on SiriusXM, continued.
Pat McAfee is a charismatic and multi-talented personality known for his contributions to the world of sports, entertainment, and media. Starting as a professional American football punter in the NFL, McAfee gained recognition for his strong leg and colourful personality both on and off the field. After retiring from football, he successfully transitioned into a career as a sports media personality, podcast host, and stand-up comedian.