Everyone in sports media has to have a take on Pat McAfee.
This is partially due to how McAfee, a self-described polarizing figure, acts and the things that he says. But it is also partially due to the simple fact of his ubiquity.
McAfee is everywhere. Like other ESPN tentpole personalities such as Stephen A. Smith, McAfee is on the screens of almost every sports fan in the country for a significant portion of the week, whether they are a big fan of his or not.
One person in McAfee’s camp? Mike Tirico.
Speaking with Front Office Sports Tonight, Tirico explained why he liked what McAfee brought to the sports media landscape.
“I just respect the fact that it’s genuine,” Tirico said. “That’s who he is, and the fact that it’s caught, that’s great. There are different people who catch on for different reasons. People who catch on for their love of sport and keep that passion for sport and keep connecting audiences to the athletes and the players, I’m all for. I think Pat is doing that.”
Tirico specifically pointed to the access that McAfee gets from athletes at the top of their game.
“You see the people who go on his show. It brings you close to some of the biggest names in sports, and that’s great for all of us. If an Aaron Rodgers or other people feel comfortable talking to Pat, we hear more from them, I think that just gives other athletes the chance to talk more. So bravo Pat. Good for him.”
In general, Tirico is supportive of a sports media environment that has room for all sorts of different styles and perspectives.
“I think there’s a place under the big tent of sports for every style, every approach. It doesn’t mean that you love it. I don’t sit in the morning and watch four hours of debate. I’ll watch five or 10 minutes, I’ll move on. I don’t need somebody to tell me my opinion on things, but people love it, and that’s great.”
McAfee has a busy schedule, and the frustration some fans have with his overwhelming presence is understandable. But for Tirico, he’s simply another option in a wide array of sports offerings.
About Tyler Lauletta
Tyler is a editorial contributor at Awful Announcing, with previous stops at Sports Illustrated and Business Insider during his career covering sports in digital media. He is, begrudgingly, a Truster of the Process and general Philly sports sicko.