Pat McAfee is set to return to the College GameDay set this fall, an announcement he made to viewers on Wednesday.
The sports show host detailed his decision and didn’t hold back on his frustrations with the process, particularly singling out an ESPN lawyer who, according to McAfee, made the negotiations unnecessarily difficult.
This criticism is the latest in a series of public grievances McAfee has aired about the network, where he has worked since May of last year.
McAfee took a significant pay cut to join ESPN in 2023, leaving behind a lucrative deal with FanDuel. Since his move, there has been notable drama between McAfee and the network. Earlier this month, he openly criticized “the suits” at ESPN on LinkedIn, calling out the corporate culture he perceives as disingenuous.
“I’m very new to this super suit social gathering platform but… I can already tell not enough folks are telling the truth,” he posted. “Unless you were born into a wealthy family or marry into a successful family business, the only thing that matters is if you have a great work ethic. YOU HAVE NO CHANCE for success in anything in this life if you don’t work hard. You can accomplish anything if you’re willing to work your *** off and buy in.”
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McAfee’s personality is a stark contrast to the typically buttoned-up style of his ESPN colleagues. Known for his casual attire, often sporting a t-shirt and sometimes a championship belt, McAfee’s style is unorthodox for the Worldwide Leader in Sports. He’s also known for using profanity and his over-the-top antics, which both entertain and rouse viewers. His willingness to criticize the network has made him a polarizing figure, yet many find his show highly entertaining and appreciate his candid critiques of ESPN.
This year, McAfee has publicly criticized ESPN’s list of the Top 100 athletes of the 21st Century, questioned Prince Harry’s ESPY honor, and taken a shot at colleague Adrian Wojnarowski. Despite this, his ability to attract top sports personalities keeps his show popular among many fans who agree with his views on the network.
When not hosting The Pat McAfee Show, he was a vibrant presence on College GameDay last fall, and it looks like he will be back in 2024. McAfee brought a unique energy to the show, and he believes he is the best person for the job, despite some resistance within ESPN.
One of ESPN’s lawyers apparently saw things differently, creating tension during the negotiation process. Addressing this in his announcement, McAfee said, “It is officially official… I am returning to College GameDay, and although I don’t want to make a big deal out of it, I know it is a big f—ing deal that it is happening. There’s some drama that obviously started lingering… Some lawyer at ESPN tried to be a super genius… I ended up being a free agent, and it was a real moment of looking in the mirror, and saying, ‘Am I the right person for the job?’”
Referencing a poll by The Athletic, McAfee acknowledged that his presence on College GameDay is divisive, with about 50% of respondents wanting him off the show. He reflected on whether he wanted to continue facing criticism every Saturday morning or enjoy a quieter life. Ultimately, he decided the opportunity was too significant to pass up.
“To that lawyer, you’re a genius, buddy. You did great. Caused a lot of s— but ultimately in the end, this stooge in a USA tank top could work you every time in that negotiating table. Never ever forget it.”
While McAfee’s style may not be for everyone, his return to College GameDay will be welcomed by many fans who appreciate his unique energy and perspective.
As he gears up for the college football season, McAfee is ready to bring his distinctive flair back to Saturday mornings, unfazed by how some might view him.
