History of Pat McAfee in Timeline
Pat McAfee is a multifaceted American entertainer known for his work as a sports analyst, color commentator, former professional wrestler, and former NFL punter. He gained prominence as a punter and kickoff specialist in the NFL before transitioning to media. McAfee hosts "The Pat McAfee Show" on ESPN, a popular sports talk show known for its humor and unconventional style. He is also an analyst on College GameDay. Additionally, he has had a notable career in WWE as a color commentator and wrestler, further expanding his reach and influence in the entertainment world.
May 2, 1987: Pat McAfee's Birth
On May 2, 1987, Patrick Justin McAfee was born. He later became a sports analyst, color commentator, former professional wrestler, and former professional football punter and kickoff specialist.
2007: Lou Groza Award Semi-Finalist and Big East Honors
In 2007, Pat McAfee was named to the 2007 Lou Groza Award semi-finalist list for the best collegiate kicker, earned Big East Special Team Player of the week honors three times, was named second-team All-Big East, and earned West Virginia's Scott Shirley Award for the second consecutive year.
2009: Guest Appearance at IWA East Coast Show
A month prior to the 2009 NFL draft, Pat McAfee made a guest appearance at an Independent Wrestling Association (IWA) East Coast show in South Charleston, West Virginia, where he wrestled and won a match.
2009: Drafted by Indianapolis Colts and Super Bowl XLIV Appearance
In 2009, Pat McAfee was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts, handled punting and kickoff duties, and reached Super Bowl XLIV, where the Colts lost to the New Orleans Saints. He was also named to the 2009 NFL All-Rookie Team.
2009: Senior Bowl and All-Star Challenge Participation
In 2009, Pat McAfee was invited to the Senior Bowl in Alabama and participated in the 11th annual State Farm College Football All-Star Challenge, winning the "round the world" kicking competition.
2009: Selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL Draft
In 2009, Pat McAfee was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round of the NFL draft after playing as a placekicker for the West Virginia Mountaineers.
October 20, 2010: Arrested for Public Intoxication
On October 20, 2010, Pat McAfee was arrested and charged with public intoxication in Indianapolis. He was found shirtless and wet with a blood alcohol content of 0.15. The Colts later issued him a one-game suspension.
2011: Punting Average
In 2011, Pat McAfee maintained a 46.6-yard punting average for the season.
2013: Notable Tackle on Trindon Holliday
In 2013, Pat McAfee made a notable tackle on Trindon Holliday, leading to commentary praising McAfee's performance.
January 4, 2014: Tweet Incident and Fine
On January 4, 2014, Pat McAfee tweeted a photo from the Colts locker room that inadvertently showed teammate Andrew Luck nude in the background. McAfee apologized for the incident and was fined $10,000 by the Colts organization.
September 2014: AFC Special Teams Player of the Month
In September 2014, Pat McAfee was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for leading the NFL in punting average and touchbacks on kickoff.
December 23, 2014: Selected to Pro Bowl
On December 23, 2014, Pat McAfee was selected to play in his first Pro Bowl.
2014: Named All-Pro
In 2014, Pat McAfee was named All-Pro during his seven-year career in the National Football League (NFL).
January 2, 2015: Selected as First Team All-Pro
On January 2, 2015, Pat McAfee was selected by the Associated Press as the First Team All-Pro punter.
2015: Emergency Quarterback
In 2015, Pat McAfee nearly entered a game as emergency quarterback after all three of the team's listed quarterbacks came down with injuries.
February 5, 2016: Guinness World Record Holder
On February 5, 2016, Pat McAfee became a Guinness World Record holder by successfully kicking a 40-yard field goal while blindfolded.
December 20, 2016: Named to Second Pro Bowl
On December 20, 2016, Pat McAfee was named to his second Pro Bowl.
2016: Stand-up Comic Routines
During his final season with the Colts in 2016, McAfee began to perform stand-up comic routines about his time in the NFL.
2016: Performs in stand-up events around Indiana
In 2016, Pat McAfee performed in stand-up events around Indiana and was a regular on The Bob & Tom Show, which he described Bob Kevoian as one of his best friends.
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.
February 2017: Retirement from Football
In February 2017, Pat McAfee retired from professional football and became a football analyst.
2017: Briefly Trained with Retired Wrestler Rip Rogers
Following his retirement from football in 2017, Pat McAfee briefly trained with retired wrestler Rip Rogers.
March 2018: Interferes in NXT show in Indianapolis
In March 2018, Pat McAfee was present at an NXT show in Indianapolis, where he prevented Adam Cole from winning by disqualification in his match against Aleister Black. McAfee's distraction allowed Black to defeat Cole.
August 31, 2018: Separation from Barstool Sports
On August 31, 2018, Pat McAfee announced his separation from Barstool Sports, citing a lack of transparency with the business operations as his reason for leaving.
September 23, 2018: World Record Surpassed
On September 23, 2018, Pat McAfee's Guinness World Record of successfully kicking a 40-yard field goal while blindfolded, was surpassed by Davis Brief, a fan of McAfee's, who kicked a 45-yard field goal while blindfolded.
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.
2018: Incorporation of Pat McAfee Inc.
In 2018, Pat McAfee incorporated a small business, Pat McAfee Inc. (PMI), from his original office in Indianapolis after departing from Barstool Sports.
2018: Professional Baseball Debut
In 2018, Pat McAfee made his professional baseball debut for the Washington Wild Things, playing right-fielder and first base coach. He recorded a putout and reached second base on a throwing error.
2018: Guest Commentator for WWE's NXT TakeOver
In 2018, Pat McAfee served as a guest commentator for WWE's NXT TakeOver events.
2018: Guest Host for Fox Sports
In late 2018, Pat McAfee was a guest host for Fox Sports' college and NFL broadcasts.
2018: Appearance on WWE NXT TakeOver Events
Throughout 2018, Pat McAfee appeared on WWE programming as a pre-show analyst for the company's NXT TakeOver events, starting with NXT TakeOver: New Orleans, where he continued his mini-feud with Adam Cole. He also appeared at NXT TakeOver: Chicago II, NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn 4 and NXT TakeOver: WarGames.
February 2019: Engaged to Samantha Ludy
In February 2019, Pat McAfee became engaged to Samantha Ludy.
February 2019: Formally Signed with WWE
In February 2019, Pat McAfee formally signed a multi-year contract with WWE and began hosting live watch-alongs of WWE's pay-per-views on YouTube, starting with Fastlane.
February 2019: Signs Contract with WWE
In February 2019, Pat McAfee signed a contract with WWE.
July 2019: Joins ESPN's Thursday Night College Football
In July 2019, Pat McAfee was announced as part of ESPN's Thursday Night College Football team.
July 29, 2019: Joins ESPN as Color Analyst for Thursday Night College Football
On July 29, 2019, Adam Schefter announced that Pat McAfee would be joining ESPN as the color analyst for their Thursday Night College Football broadcasts, alongside Matt Hasselbeck. This announcement followed McAfee's audition for ESPN's Monday Night Football.
August 7, 2019: Reported Hosting of 'The Pat McAfee Show'
On August 7, 2019, it was reported that Pat McAfee would begin to host a two-hour, weekday radio show, 'The Pat McAfee Show', starting September 9, 2019.
September 9, 2019: Debut of 'The Pat McAfee Show'
On September 9, 2019, Pat McAfee began hosting 'The Pat McAfee Show', syndicated by DAZN and Westwood One, also including streaming his podcast on DAZN three times per week.
November 1, 2019: Guest Appearance on SmackDown
On November 1, 2019, Pat McAfee made a guest appearance on an episode of SmackDown.
2019: Workout with Chicago Bears
During the off-season in 2019, Pat McAfee worked out with the Chicago Bears as a placekicker, but his knee swelled up afterwards.
2019: Airing of First Episode of Wrasslin' With Sports Entertainment
In 2019, the first episode of 'Wrasslin' With Sports Entertainment', a wrestling podcast, aired.
August 1, 2020: Marriage to Samantha Ludy
On August 1, 2020, Pat McAfee married Samantha Ludy at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel, Indiana, with Bob Kevoian officiating.
August 2020: Parting Ways with DAZN
In August 2020, Pat McAfee and DAZN parted ways due to McAfee's disdain for FCC regulations on terrestrial radio.
August 2020: Defeated by Adam Cole at NXT TakeOver XXX
In August 2020, as part of NXT, Pat McAfee was defeated by Adam Cole at NXT TakeOver XXX. McAfee's storyline included his own stable named The Kings of NXT.
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, and the show is also broadcast live on YouTube. A. J. Hawk co-hosts the show with McAfee.
2020: Feud with Adam Cole and WWE NXT In-Ring Debut
During 2020, Pat McAfee feuded with Adam Cole, making his WWE NXT in-ring debut at TakeOver XXX in a loss to Cole.
2020: Rumors of Joining Pittsburgh Steelers
During the 2020 NFL season, there were rumors of Pat McAfee coming out of retirement to play for his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers due to their punting struggles.
2020: Donation to the Barstool Fund
In 2020, Pat McAfee donated $200,000 to the Barstool Fund, a charity started by Dave Portnoy to provide relief to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Sideline Reporter for the XFL
In 2020, Pat McAfee worked as a sideline reporter for some XFL games.
March 2021: Revival of The Best Wrestling Show
In March 2021, PMI brought back The Best Wrestling Show, formerly known as Wrasslin' With Sports Entertainment, a wrestling podcast hosted by Mike Mansury and Mark Madden.
April 2021: Color Commentator on SmackDown
From April 2021, Pat McAfee served as a color commentator alongside Michael Cole on SmackDown. During this period, he was involved in various storylines.
September 16, 2021: Mike Tomlin's admiration
On the September 16, 2021 episode of The Pat McAfee Show, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin spoke of his admiration for him, joking that he would wait until McAfee "had physically deteriorated a little bit", until he could sign him.
December 9, 2021: $120 Million Sponsorship Agreement with FanDuel
On December 9, 2021, Pat McAfee announced a four-year, $120 million sponsorship agreement with FanDuel to serve as the sponsor and official odds provider of The Pat McAfee Show.
2021: Changes to PMI Podcasts
In 2021, PMI's podcast 'That's Hockey Talk' had A. Q. Shipley replaced by Mike Rupp as co-host, 'Heartland Radio 2.0' evolved into 'The Pod', and 'Good Bettor Bets' re-branded into 'Hammer Dahn'.
2021: Plans to Move PMI 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.
2021: Donates Over $6 Million to Various Causes
In 2021, Pat McAfee donated over $6 million to various causes, including sports teams at his hometown high school Plum, the children's hospital at West Virginia University, and a football program for under-privileged youth run by former teammate Robert Mathis.
August 2022: Sirius XM Stops Airing The Pat McAfee Show
In August 2022, Sirius XM stopped airing The Pat McAfee Show.
September 2022: Returns to ESPN as Full-Time Analyst
In September 2022, Pat McAfee returned to ESPN, serving as a full-time analyst on College Gameday. He also became an analyst for ESPN's coverage of the Rose Bowl, College Football Playoff, Super Bowl, and Pro Bowl. Additionally, McAfee participated in Peyton Manning's Omaha Productions college football alternate telecasts on ESPN2 and made guest appearances on Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli.
September 2022: Nominated for Pro Football Hall of Fame
In September 2022, Pat McAfee was named as one of the additional modern-era nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
September 2022: Leaves Smackdown Commentary Team
Pat McAfee leaves the SmackDown commentary team in September 2022.
2022: Works Match with Baron Corbin at SummerSlam
In 2022, Pat McAfee worked a match with Baron Corbin at SummerSlam. The two had been teammates on the Indianapolis Colts and roommates during their rookie year, bonding over their love for wrestling.
January 28, 2023: Surprise Return for Commentary at Royal Rumble
On January 28, 2023, Pat McAfee made a surprise return for commentary right before the men's Royal Rumble match began.
May 4, 2023: Welcomes First Child
On May 4, 2023, Pat McAfee and his wife Samantha welcomed their first child, a daughter.
May 2023: The Pat McAfee Show moves to ESPN platforms
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. McAfee stated that this move would provide him with better access to production assets, league rights capabilities, and access to the sports world.
August 17, 2023: Debut of The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN
On August 17, 2023, it was announced that The Pat McAfee Show would debut on ESPN, ESPN+ and YouTube on September 7, 2023, coinciding with the 2023 NFL season opener.
September 7, 2023: The Pat McAfee Show makes its debut on ESPN
On September 7, 2023, The Pat McAfee Show made its debut on ESPN, ESPN+ and YouTube, coinciding with the 2023 NFL season opener.
2023: Defamation Allegations from Brett Favre
In 2023, Pat McAfee faced defamation allegations from Brett Favre for reporting that Favre stole money from "poor people in Mississippi."
January 27, 2024: Returns at Royal Rumble as Commentator and Entrant
On January 27, 2024, Pat McAfee returned at Royal Rumble as a surprise guest commentator and entrant at #22 in the men's Royal Rumble match. He quickly exited the ring and eliminated himself.
December 14, 2024: Returns to WWE to call Saturday Night's Main Event
On December 14, 2024, Pat McAfee returned to the WWE to call Saturday Night's Main Event with Michael Cole and Jesse Ventura.
2024: Participates in The Soccer Tournament as a Player
In 2024, Pat McAfee took part in The Soccer Tournament as a player.
January 6, 2025: Returns to WWE on Raw on Netflix
On January 6, 2025, Pat McAfee returned on the premiere of Raw on Netflix, partnering with Michael Cole and becoming a full-time commentator for the brand.
April 1, 2025: Amplification of False Rumor Sparks Harassment
On April 1, 2025, it was reported that Pat McAfee's amplification of a false rumor about a student at the University of Mississippi had sparked harassment and bullying. McAfee discussed the rumor on his show and posted a clip on X.
June 2025: Takes a Hiatus from Commentating
In June 2025, Pat McAfee announced that he would be taking another hiatus from commentating due to mental exhaustion.
September 20, 2025: Returns as Commentator for Wrestlepalooza
On September 20, 2025, Pat McAfee made his return as a commentator for Wrestlepalooza in Indianapolis.
November 30, 2025: Announces Second Child
On November 30, 2025, Pat McAfee and his wife Samantha announced that they were expecting their second child together.
2025: Commentary on Raw on Netflix
In 2025, Pat McAfee partnered with Michael Cole for commentary on Raw on Netflix.
2025: Team manager in The Soccer Tournament
In 2025, Pat McAfee was a team manager in The Soccer Tournament.
2025: College Gameday Kicking Contest
In 2025, as a co-host of ESPN's College Gameday, Pat McAfee had a weekly Kicking Contest, giving college students an opportunity to kick for prize money, giving $3.7 million to students through the season.
April 3, 2026: Returns to WWE and Aligns with Randy Orton
On April 3, 2026, Pat McAfee returned to WWE, aligning himself with Randy Orton and being revealed as Orton's mystery phone caller, turning heel.
2026: Returns to SmackDown and aligns with Randy Orton
In 2026, Pat McAfee returned on SmackDown and aligned with Randy Orton before leaving once again after Wrestlemania 42.
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