ESPN Signs Plum Native Pat McAfee To Blockbuster Deal

PLUM, PA — Plum native and former NFL punter Pat McAfee will be taking his highly successful YouTube program to ESPN beginning this fall, the sports network announced Tuesday.

"The Pat McAfee Show" will air live weekdays simultaneously on ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN's YouTube channel. McAfee also will continue his analyst role on ESPN's "College GameDay"and host alternate broadcasts of ESPN's college football telecasts.

Contract terms were not disclosed, but New York Post sources said McAfee will be paid more than eight figures per year.

"Pat is a proven talent. He and his team have built 'The Pat McAfee Show' into one of the most engaging programs in sports and all of media," ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. "It's a destination for athlete interviews and breaking news, and the centerpiece of a growing community of sports fans. We're honored to bring Pat and the show to ESPN through a multifaceted, multiplatform approach."

McAfee, 36, attended West Virginia University and played eight seasons in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts. McAfee retired from football in February 2017 and since has worked as a football and wrestling analyst and has performed as a stand-up comedian.

"We are extremely honored that ESPN is blessing us with this opportunity to be a part of the next chapter of the ESPN family," McAfee said. "We do not take that lightly and are going to work hard to make sure this is a success."