NEW ORLEANS (NEXSTAR) — One of the biggest names at the Super Bowl is an NFL punter who transformed himself into a leading media personality. And no, you won’t catch him wearing a typical suit and tie. You’re more likely to find Pat McAfee sporting a white tank top and jeans.
McAfee, 37, has largely reinvented what sports journalism looks like (if you want to label him a journalist). Inarguably, he’s one of the foremost sports commentators and personalities whose strategic reinvention and entrepreneurial spirit has made him a media superstar.
McAfee spent eight years in the NFL making the Pro Bowl twice and playing in Super Bowl XLIV. After retiring from the Indianapolis Colts in 2017, McAfee transitioned into the media world, launching The Pat McAfee Show with Barstool Sports. His unfiltered commentary and engaging style quickly gained popularity. Just a year later, McAfee would leave Barstool to launch his own media company, expanding his show across multiple platforms. His approach resonated with audiences seeking fresh content, breaking away from traditional media norms.
In 2021, he changed the media landscape signing a $120 million deal with FanDuel. The monster move highlighted his ability to merge sports entertainment with the rising sports betting industry. He licenses his show to ESPN in what’s believed to be an eight-figure deal.
McAfee’s media presence extends beyond his show. He has become a commentator for WWE’s RAW program on Netflix and joined ESPN’s College GameDay as an analyst, further solidifying his status as a versatile sports media figure.
Pat McAfee’s success story underscores how athletes can effectively transition into media, using authenticity and adaptability to build influential brands post-retirement.
All facts from this article were gathered by Nexstar journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by Nexstar staff.
