Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Pat McAfee

How Pat McAfee built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Pat McAfee is an American sports analyst, color commentator, and former NFL punter and kickoff specialist. He currently hosts The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN, providing sports commentary and entertainment. Additionally, he is an analyst on College GameDay and serves as a color commentator for WWE's Raw while occasionally wrestling. McAfee transitioned from a successful NFL career to become a prominent figure in sports media, known for his energetic and often comedic style.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2009: NFL Draft and Super Bowl XLIV Appearance

In 2009, Pat McAfee was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts and handled punting and kick-off duties. He was part of the team that reached Super Bowl XLIV, where they lost to the New Orleans Saints. He was also named to the 2009 NFL All-Rookie Team.

2009: Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts

In 2009, Pat McAfee was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round of the NFL draft. This marked the beginning of his professional football career in the National Football League.

2009: Senior Bowl and All-Star Challenge

In 2009, Pat McAfee was invited to the Senior Bowl in Alabama and started as the South team's kicker. He also performed in the State Farm College Football All-Star Challenge, winning the "round the world" kicking competition.

2011: Punting Average for 2011 Season

In 2011, Pat McAfee maintained a 46.6-yard punting average for the season. This highlighted his consistency and skill as a punter in the NFL.

September 2014: AFC Special Teams Player of the Month

In September 2014, Pat McAfee was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month. He led the NFL in punting average and touchbacks on kickoff.

December 23, 2014: Selection to Pro Bowl

On December 23, 2014, Pat McAfee was selected to play in his first Pro Bowl. This recognition highlighted his outstanding performance and contributions to the Indianapolis Colts team.

2014: All-Pro Selection

In 2014, Pat McAfee was recognized as an All-Pro player during his eight-year career in the NFL. This achievement underscores his exceptional performance and contribution to the Indianapolis Colts team.

January 2, 2015: First Team All-Pro Selection

On January 2, 2015, Pat McAfee was selected by the Associated Press as the First Team All-Pro punter. This prestigious honor underscored his exceptional talent and achievements in the NFL.

2015: Emergency Quarterback Role

During the 2015 season, Pat McAfee nearly entered a game as emergency quarterback and held the role throughout his tenure with the Colts. He was also called on to throw the football during special plays involving a fake punt.

December 20, 2016: Second Pro Bowl Selection

On December 20, 2016, Pat McAfee was named to his second Pro Bowl. This further solidified his reputation as a top punter in the NFL and a valuable asset to the Indianapolis Colts.

2016: Stand Up Comic Routines

During his final season with the Colts in 2016, Pat McAfee began performing stand up comic routines about his time in the NFL, showcasing his talent beyond football.

February 2, 2017: Retirement from NFL and Joining Barstool Sports

On February 2, 2017, Pat McAfee retired from the NFL and announced his intention to join Barstool Sports as a contributor. He cited his recent knee operation and relationship with Colts' general manager as factors in his decision.

February 2017: Retirement and Football Analyst Role

In February 2017, Pat McAfee retired from professional football and transitioned to a career as a football analyst. This marked a significant shift in his career path, leveraging his expertise and experience in the sport.

August 31, 2018: Departure from Barstool Sports

On August 31, 2018, Pat McAfee announced his separation from Barstool Sports. He cited a lack of transparency with the business operations of the company as his reason for leaving.

November 24, 2018: College Football Broadcasting Debut

On November 24, 2018, Pat McAfee made his college football broadcasting debut on Fox, calling a game between Baylor and Texas Tech. This marked his transition into sports broadcasting.

2018: Incorporation of Pat McAfee Inc.

In 2018, Pat McAfee incorporated a small business, Pat McAfee Inc. (PMI), after departing from Barstool Sports. PMI continued to operate McAfee's charity and began selling merchandise and producing podcasts.

2018: Guest Commentator for WWE's NXT TakeOver

In 2018, Pat McAfee served as a guest commentator for WWE's NXT TakeOver events. This was his first foray into the world of professional wrestling commentary.

2018: Guest Hosting for Fox Sports

In late 2018, Pat McAfee was a guest host for Fox Sports' college and NFL broadcasts. This experience provided him with opportunities to showcase his skills as a sports analyst and commentator.

February 2019: Formal WWE Contract

In February 2019, Pat McAfee formally signed a multi-year contract with WWE.

February 2019: Signing with WWE

In February 2019, Pat McAfee signed a contract with WWE. This marked his entry into the world of professional wrestling, expanding his career beyond football and sports analysis.

July 2019: Joins ESPN's Thursday Night College Football

In July 2019, Pat McAfee joined ESPN's Thursday Night College Football team. He was announced as part of the broadcast team, further establishing his presence in sports media.

July 29, 2019: Joining ESPN's Thursday Night College Football Broadcasts

On July 29, 2019, Pat McAfee joined ESPN as the color analyst for their Thursday Night College Football broadcasts, alongside Matt Hasselbeck. He also began making regular appearances on Get Up! and College GameDay.

August 7, 2019: Announcement of The Pat McAfee Show on DAZN and Westwood One

On August 7, 2019, it was reported that Pat McAfee would host a weekday radio show, The Pat McAfee Show, beginning September 9, 2019, syndicated by DAZN and Westwood One. The deal included podcast streaming and NFL-related content.

September 9, 2019: Launch of The Pat McAfee Show on DAZN and Westwood One

On September 9, 2019, Pat McAfee's two-hour, weekday radio show, The Pat McAfee Show, launched, syndicated by DAZN and Westwood One.

2019: Workout with Chicago Bears

During the off-season in 2019, Pat McAfee worked out with the Chicago Bears as a placekicker. However, the position was eventually taken by Eddy Piñeiro.

August 2020: Parting Ways with DAZN

In August 2020, Pat McAfee parted ways with DAZN due to his disdain for FCC regulations on terrestrial radio. This marked a change in the distribution of The Pat McAfee Show.

September 2020: The Pat McAfee Show Moves to Sirius XM

In September 2020, The Pat McAfee Show moved to Sirius XM's Mad Dog Sports Radio. A. J. Hawk co-hosts and the show is also broadcast live on YouTube.

2020: Feud with Adam Cole and WWE NXT In-Ring Debut

During 2020, Pat McAfee feuded with Adam Cole and made his WWE NXT in-ring debut at TakeOver XXX, losing to Cole. This marked a significant step in his professional wrestling career, transitioning from commentary to in-ring competition.

2020: Speculation About Joining Pittsburgh Steelers

During the 2020 NFL season, there was speculation and fan interest in Pat McAfee potentially coming out of retirement to play for his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers due to their punting struggles.

March 2021: Revival of The Best Wrestling Show

In March 2021, PMI brought back The Best Wrestling Show, a wrestling podcast. However, it was short-lived due to the departure of Mike Mansury and low viewership.

September 16, 2021: Mike Tomlin's Comments on The Pat McAfee Show

On September 16, 2021, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin spoke of his admiration for Pat McAfee on The Pat McAfee Show, joking about signing him when he had physically deteriorated.

Loading Video...

December 9, 2021: Sponsorship Agreement with FanDuel

On December 9, 2021, Pat McAfee announced a four-year, $120 million sponsorship agreement with FanDuel for The Pat McAfee Show, making them the sponsor and official odds provider.

2021: Changes to PMI Podcasts

In 2021, PMI's podcast 'That's Hockey Talk' had Mike Rupp replacing A. Q. Shipley as co-host, 'Heartland Radio 2.0' evolved into 'The Pod,' and 'Good Bettor Bets' rebranded into 'Hammer Dahn' with Michael Lombardi.

2021: Move of PMI's Base of Operations

In 2021, Pat McAfee announced plans to move PMI's base of operations to a former United Methodist Church in Lawrence, Indiana. This relocation represented a significant investment and expansion of the company's facilities.

March 3, 2022: WrestleMania Match Offer

On March 3, 2022, during The Pat McAfee Show, Vince McMahon offered McAfee a match at WrestleMania 38.

August 2022: Sirius XM Stops Airing The Pat McAfee Show

In August 2022, Sirius XM stopped airing The Pat McAfee Show. This marked the end of the show's run on the Sirius XM platform.

September 2022: Return to ESPN

In September 2022, Pat McAfee returned to ESPN as a full-time analyst on College Gameday. He serves as an analyst for ESPN's coverage of major football events and is part of Omaha Productions alternate telecasts on ESPN2.

Loading Video...

May 2023: The Pat McAfee Show moves to ESPN

In May 2023, ESPN announced that The Pat McAfee Show would move to its platforms, including ESPN television, ESPN+, and YouTube, under a multi-year deal, giving him better access to sports world resources.

August 17, 2023: Debut date for The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN

On August 17, 2023, the debut date for The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN, ESPN+ and YouTube was announced for September 7, 2023, coinciding with the 2023 NFL season opener.

January 27, 2024: Surprise Return at Royal Rumble

On January 27, 2024, Pat McAfee returned at Royal Rumble as a surprise guest commentator and entrant at #22. He eliminated himself from the match, later claiming he was unaware of his participation beforehand.

December 14, 2024: WWE Return for Saturday Night's Main Event

On December 14, 2024, Pat McAfee returned to WWE to call Saturday Night's Main Event with Michael Cole and Jesse Ventura. This marked his return to WWE commentary after focusing on other commitments.

January 6, 2025: Return to Raw on Netflix

On January 6, 2025, Pat McAfee returned to WWE on the premiere of Raw on Netflix as a full-time commentator alongside Michael Cole.

2025: Commentary on Raw on Netflix

In 2025, Pat McAfee partnered with Michael Cole to provide commentary on Raw on Netflix. This further solidified his role as a prominent commentator in WWE.