Pat McAfee chides ‘College Gameday’ trolls ahead of return, ESPN’s beloved college football pregame show, “College Gameday,” is set to make a splash next week with a special episode from Dublin, Ireland. Among the familiar faces returning to the show is Pat McAfee, whose presence has stirred a range of reactions from fans and critics alike.
Pat McAfee, a former NFL punter turned sports media personality, has become one of the most talked-about figures on “College Gameday.” His unconventional style and larger-than-life persona have made him a polarizing addition to the panel. While many fans appreciate his energetic and often irreverent approach, others have found his antics grating.
McAfee’s recent Instagram post—featuring a shirtless photo of himself on the “College Gameday” set—only intensified the debate. The post was met with a flood of comments, many of which were critical of McAfee’s on-screen behavior. The backlash was a reminder of the divided opinions surrounding his role on the show.
Another critic labeled McAfee a “redneck” and suggested he should keep his shirt on. McAfee’s response was both sarcastic and defiant. “Damn shame… I don’t love that you’ve stopped watching maybe we’ll be able to get you back this year,” he quipped. “If so, we’ll have the third straight season of highest ratings ever. WE NEED YA.” His playful banter reflects his confidence and resilience in the face of criticism.
The 2023 college football season was a notable one for “College Gameday,” achieving its second-highest viewership since 2011 with an average of 2.0 million viewers. This was just shy of the record set in 2022, which saw an average of 2.1 million viewers. McAfee’s contributions, whether loved or loathed, appear to have played a role in maintaining the show’s high ratings.
McAfee’s social media exchanges also included a response to a comment from someone who claimed to have vomited upon seeing his post. McAfee’s retort was characteristically sharp: “Could’ve been the mirror you walked by.” His ability to turn criticism into humor is a hallmark of his public persona.
Despite some uncertainty about his future with “College Gameday,” McAfee confirmed in July that he would return for the 2024 season. Last October, there had been speculation about whether McAfee would leave the show after the 2023 season, but his decision to stay was met with enthusiasm from both fans and the network.
In addition to his role on “College Gameday,” McAfee brought his popular program, “The Pat McAfee Show,” to ESPN in 2023. This deal, which allows ESPN to license McAfee’s daily show, has further cemented his place in the sports media landscape.
McAfee’s blend of charisma, humor, and irreverence has made him a standout figure on ESPN. As “College Gameday” gears up for its Dublin episode and the new season, McAfee’s presence will undoubtedly continue to spark conversations and reactions from viewers. Whether fans are cheering or grumbling, there’s no denying that McAfee adds a unique flavor to one of ESPN’s most iconic programs.
