By the time he took the stage at the Disney Upfronts on Tuesday, the industry’s worst-kept secret was that Pat McAfee was taking his show to ESPN. The former punter turned digital media superstar is bringing his show to multiple ESPN platforms including the network, ESPN+ and the ESPN YouTube channel.
“They very much understood that we need to embrace both what tomorrow is and what today is,” McAfee told the crowd at the Upfront event. “I have the exact same vision.”
The move set off a lot of buzz on social media. Many wondered who was going to have to give a little – McAfee or ESPN. As for the sports media, many of McAfee’s colleagues set concern aside and instead celebrated his victory.
Chuck Pagano served as McAfee’s head coach in Indianapolis. He has since become a regular presence on the the show during the NFL season. He took to Twitter to express the pride he felt for Pat McAfee.
“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 press release announcing the move. “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.”
