Pat McAfee
???? Early Life and NFL Career
McAfee attended Plum High School, where he excelled in soccer, volleyball, and football. He earned a scholarship to West Virginia University, where he played as a placekicker and punter. In the 2009 NFL Draft, he was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round. During his eight-year career (2009–2016), McAfee made two Pro Bowls and was named an All-Pro in 2014. He also played in Super Bowl XLIV, where the Colts were defeated by the New Orleans Saints.
????? Transition to Media and WWE
After retiring from football in 2017, McAfee pursued a career in sports media. He began hosting The Pat McAfee Show, which gained significant popularity. In 2019, he joined ESPN as a color analyst for their Thursday Night College Football broadcasts and became a regular on College GameDay. In 2023, McAfee signed a five-year, $85 million licensing deal with ESPN, solidifying his role in the network's programming.
In addition to his broadcasting career, McAfee has made appearances in WWE. He started as a guest commentator for NXT events in 2018 and signed a contract with WWE in 2019. McAfee has served as a color commentator for major WWE events and occasionally participates as an in-ring performer. His most recent match was at WWE Backlash 2025, where he faced former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther.
???? Personal Life
McAfee married Samantha Ludy on August 1, 2020. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, on May 4, 2023. McAfee is known for his candid and often humorous commentary, which has earned him a dedicated following in both sports and entertainment circles.
???? Recent News
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WWE Backlash 2025: McAfee faced Gunther in a highly physical match, marking his return to in-ring action.
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ESPN Contract: McAfee's $85 million licensing deal with ESPN has been confirmed, with plans to retain him beyond the current contract.
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Public Apology: In July 2025, McAfee publicly apologized for spreading a false rumor about an Ole Miss student, acknowledging the harm caused and expressing regret.