Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Pat McAfee on the ESPN College Gameday set at the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Pat McAfee is one of the more well known former athletes / current NFL analysts in the league. His time as a punter mixed with his outgoing personality has made his show one of the most watched on ESPN. Over the last few years he has built quite the following and regularly has players, coaches, and reporters on his show to updated the public on the latest information around the NFL.
However, there was a different kind of announcement made this week.
Fans worry about Pat McAfee’s life after numerous death threats come to light (Report)
Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pat McAfee watches workouts at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
McAfee is notorious for speaking his mind, but this week he shared something that resinated with fans a little differently. Several death threats and hateful messages have been received by the ESPN star and his family, making fans concerned for their safety:
During a recent episode of The Pat McAfee Show, the 38-year-old host got real about his thoughts. “I just got done with a little morning workout,” McAfee said. “It was nice to read those comments. I’d just like to let all you old – know, I hate you too.”
His humor couldn’t hide the exhaustion behind the words. The man who brings chaos and comedy to every Saturday’s College GameDay sounded genuinely fed up.
McAfee also jokingly calls out “old ESPN people” and “old white people” as his biggest critics lately.
“That’s who all the producers are of GameDay, too. It’s been a fun run. College football is great. Cheers, have a great day,” he said, part joke, part jab. However, fans could sense that something serious was happening behind the scenes.
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pat McAfee watches workouts at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Known for his energy, humor, and unfiltered style, McAfee’s revelation shocked many. Support poured in online, while others wondered what’s really happening at ESPN. This isn’t the first time he’s made headlines there. Recently, a college student claimed Pat McAfee’s College GameDay robbed him of a $600K opportunity, adding more attention to McAfee’s ESPN run.
Another fan added, “Don’t listen to them, Pat. You standing on the desk and ripping off your shirt? Even the 50th time, that is some Andy Kaufman-level entertainment genius right there! Can’t imagine why the producers can’t grasp the brilliance.”
Others pointed out how beloved he is by his College GameDay colleagues. “Saban seems to like him, Corso too,” one viewer noted, reminding everyone that McAfee’s chaotic style clearly works on set.
Despite all these, McAfee gave credit where it was due. “We’re very thankful for the ESPN folks for being very hospitable,” he said. But he didn’t stop there. He accused some insiders, possibly including ESPN executive Norby Williamson, of trying to sabotage his show by leaking wrong ratings data. “That’s a sabotage attempt,” McAfee claimed. “It’s been happening this entire season.”
McAfee isn’t backing down. He’ll be back on College GameDay this weekend for Vanderbilt vs. Missouri. The controversy hasn’t slowed him, if anything, he’s louder. Fans just hope the threats stop before anyone gets hurt. Unlike past outrage over his sports takes, this time it’s about real safety.
Pat McAfee takes a bite to eat at the ESPN College GameDay stage outside of Ayres Hall on the University of Tennessee campus in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022 | Calvin Mattheis, USA TODAY NETWORK
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McQuade Arnold is a Co-Owner of Wisconsin Sports Heroics (WSH), Gridiron Heroics (GH), and Hardwood Heroics (HWH). He graduated from American Military University with an associate in General Studies and is currently pursuing his Bachelors in Sports Marketing. McQuade has been active duty in the United States Navy for 11 years and is currently stationed in Chicago, IL after spending time in Norfolk, VA and San Diego, CA. He is originally from Superior, WI and is a die hard Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks fan. McQuade's work for WSH has been featured on YardBarker, Bleacher Report, NewsBreak, and MSN.
