Pat McAfee is one of the biggest stars in the sports media universe today, and that didn’t happen by accident, ESPN’s Steve Levy told the Awful Announcing Podcast this week.
Levy talked about a number of topics with host Brandon Contes, who asked him what it was like working with McAfee.
“I was just a guest on his show (The Pat McAfee Show) the other day … and I think he’s a genius. I think he gets it. I think he gets it,” Levy said. “One example of that is, all of a sudden I was joking with him … it was like we were on the NHL Network on his show. He’s taken to hockey, and he gets great guests. So I think he recognizes that, he didn’t grow up with it, but hockey’s going to be a player in the sports landscape.”
Levy expressed amazement at the reach of McAfee’s ESPN show, which averaged 389,000 viewers in April across ESPN and YouTube, but racked up 392 million views counting TikTok, Instagram, X and other social media platforms.
“I can tell you, his reach must be enormous,” Levy said. “Every time I do his show, I can’t believe how many messages I get on my phone from people who have seen it. And that’s not exactly drive time … so it’s amazing how many people are seeing his show.”
McAfee’s methods, talking about under-served sports, obtaining great guests, his interactions with fans, have all contributed to his success, says Levy.
“He’s got immense power now in the industry, and he’s everywhere. He’s really smart, he takes his show on the road, which it really important, a chance to touch the people, be out, College GameDay and all that,” Levy said.
Levy admitted he could see McAfee’s potential as a media star when he was still a punter with the Indianapolis Colts.
“He’s just funny, right? His way about him, he’s obviously fearless,” Levy said, recalling a game where he watched McAfee on the sidelines. “McAfee was just on fire, on the sideline, in uniform, in helmet, he was so funny, so entertaining.
“I’m like, ‘Oh my god, this guy’s going to be a natural. He’s done standup comedy, he can probably sing and dance too, he’s probably good at chess. He’s one of those guys, I think he’s got it all going on. He’s an impressive character for sure.”
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About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.