Former West Virginia punter Pat McAfee’s path to media superstardom took a major bounce forward Monday.
ESPN announced that it has added McAfee to its Thursday night college football coverage as part of a multiyear deal. McAfee will provide analysis along with former Boston College and NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. The duo will work with play-by-play man Adam Amin.
“Fans are about to learn what I have experienced firsthand: Pat is one of the most insightful and entertaining people in the world to watch a football game with,” Hasselbeck said in an ESPN press release. “He combines a wealth of on-the-field experience with his natural comedic nature, making him a unique personality that has the ability to captivate an audience. Viewers are in for a treat on Thursday nights and, personally, I can’t wait for the experience of calling games with him.”
ESPN vice president of production Lee Fitting also praised the addition of McAfee.
“McAfee is one of the more enjoyable personalities in the business,” Fitting said. “First and foremost, he is an accomplished football player, having played on the biggest stages — including the Super Bowl as a Colt and the Sugar and Fiesta Bowls in college – and been recognized as the best at his position multiple times. You combine those experiences with his charismatic nature, passionate opinions and football knowledge, he is undoubtedly another great addition to our coverage.”
McAfee will also contribute to ESPN’s “Get Up” morning show.
He announced the news on Twitter, calling himself “the luckiest dude on earth.”
Ladies and gentlemen… I'm the luckiest dude on earth.
Thursday nights are about to be a GREAT time on @ESPN with @Hasselbeck, @AdamAmin, and @MollyAMcGrath.
We're just getting started beautiful people… pic.twitter.com/klS64uDFqe
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 29, 2019
McAfee will have an opportunity to call a West Virginia game when the Mountaineers visit Baylor on Halloween night. He served as both a kicker and punter at WVU from 2005-08, earning all-American recognition as a senior before being drafted by the Colts.
McAfee has seen his star rise since retiring from the NFL in 2016. He has also worked with Barstool Sports, Fox Sports and World Wrestling Entertainment.