ESPN has signed former college football All-American and NFL All-Pro punter Pat McAfee to a multi-year agreement as a football analyst. The vibrant personality will be a commentator on both game and studio telecasts, including ESPN’s Thursday night college football slate and regular appearances on Get Up!. As part of his Thursday game assignments, McAfee reunites with Matt Hasselbeck, as the former Indianapolis Colts teammates will serve as dual analysts in the booth. Adam Amin will call play-by-play and Molly McGrath is the reporter, which was announced earlier this month.
“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,” said Hasselbeck. “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.”
McAfee was drafted by the Colts in the 2009 NFL Draft, following a college career as the West Virginia kicker and punter. The four-year starter (2005-2008) finished with 384 points and accumulated more than 5,500 punting yards as a Mountaineer which was highlighted by an All-American recognition his senior year (2008). As a professional, McAfee primarily focused on punting, becoming one of the NFL’s best. He was named an All-Pro (2014) and a Pro Bowler (2014, 2016). The Pennsylvania native retired after the 2016 NFL season, concluding a nine-year career with the Colts.
“McAfee is one of the more enjoyable personalities in the business,” said ESPN senior vice president of production Lee Fitting. “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.”
ESPN’s new Thursday night broadcast team will make their debut in Week 1, when UCLA travels to Cincinnati (Aug. 29, 7 p.m.). Following Kickoff Week, the remainder of the ESPN Thursday night 12-game slate features conference matchups, including McAfee’s alma mater at Baylor on Halloween (Oct. 31) and The Egg Bowl (Ole Miss at Mississippi State) on Thanksgiving (Nov. 28).
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