As one of the most well-known voices in sports media, Pat McAfee has completely changed the way the sector informs and updates its audience with a lighthearted style that appeals to a younger audience.
After a lengthy NFL career, the former punter for the Indianapolis Colts launched a podcast. Since then, he has altered the way people view and consume sports media and paved the way for programs like New Heights, which stars the Kelce brothers and offers a candid, humorous, and educational behind-the-scenes look at everything NFL and college football.
It is obvious that Pat McAfee has a lot of power at ESPN and has gotten away with a lot of things that in the past would have resulted in the firing of other celebrities.
As one of the most well-known voices in sports media, Pat McAfee has completely changed the way the sector informs and updates its audience with a lighthearted style that appeals to a younger audience.
After a lengthy NFL career, the former punter for the Indianapolis Colts launched a podcast. Since then, he has altered the way people view and consume sports media and paved the way for programs like New Heights, which stars the Kelce brothers and offers a candid, humorous, and educational behind-the-scenes look at everything NFL and college football.
It is obvious that Pat McAfee has a lot of power at ESPN and has gotten away with a lot of things that in the past would have resulted in the firing of other celebrities.
This was made clear when Pat McAfee publicly criticized one of the top executives, naming Norby Williamson. Williamson, a top executive at ESPN, has reportedly been dissatisfied with the content he is bringing to the World Wide Leader and has come under fire from the biggest name in sports media for allegedly leaking false ratings information.
Pat McAfee has a unique contract setup: he serves as a talent for College GameDay and makes weekly appearances on First Take. However, his show, the Pat McAfee Show, airs on ESPN under a separate licensing agreement. This arrangement has occasionally led to conflicts with management, particularly Norby Williamson.
McAfee made headlines for publicly supporting NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers after Rodgers made controversial comments linking Jimmy Kimmel to Jeffrey Epstein earlier in the year. McAfee’s presence represents a departure from the more conservative image cultivated by ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro since 2017.
In a candid interview on the All the Smoke podcast hosted by retired NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, McAfee discussed the public dispute with Norby Williamson and ESPN. This controversy unfolded despite ESPN committing to pay McAfee $85 million over five years starting in 2023 for his show’s airing rights.
The former Colts punter turned radio broadcaster and pundit responded, “I’m not sure,” when asked if he had received pushback for his remarks. He then discussed his relationship with the network.
In the episode, McAfee stated, “I report directly to president] Jimmy [Pitaro and [Disney CEO] Bob [Iger].” “I saw reports in the media that Pat called out his boss.” There isn’t a motherf***ing boss here. Who are we, exactly? Are we discussing Bob Iger or Jimmy Pitaro? Is that, like, the person we are discussing? Because, in a technical sense, you might refer to those individuals as my boss.
Pat McAfee’s Status For College Gameday In 2024 Is Currently Uncertain
The former Indianapolis Colts punter isn’t currently under contract for “College GameDay,” which he started doing in 2019, according to a report from Andrew Marchand of The Athletic:
“Sources briefed on McAfee’s contract talks told The Athletic that Pat McAfee is still unsigned with ESPN’s “College GameDay,” with the season starting in just over two months.
The 37-year-old firebrand, talk show presenter, and wrestling expert McAfee said late last year that he would be returning to the show, but an agreement to make that official has not yet been finalized. ESPN is able to license McAfee’s daily show, “The Pat McAfee Show,” for airing on its network and YouTube because to a separate arrangement he holds.