What is Pat McAfee's net worth and salary?
Pat McAfee is an American former professional football player, professional wrestler and podcast host who has a net worth of $60 million. Post-retirement, McAfee transitioned to sports media and entertainment, hosting "The Pat McAfee Show" podcast, where he discusses sports, shares personal anecdotes, and interviews high-profile guests. In 2020, McAfee began working with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), initially as a commentator and later as a wrestler.
He earned around $15 million during his NFL career. Today Pat McAfee's salary is $17 million per year. In December 2021 Pat signed a 4-year, $120 million contract with FanDuel in December 2021. In May 2023 he opted out of that contract to sign an equally-large deal with ESPN. The ESPN deal is worth $85 million over five years, which works out to around $17 million per year.
Early Life
Pat McAfee was born on May 2, 1987, in Plum, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh. The son of Tim and Sally McAfee, he displayed a natural talent for sports from a young age, particularly in soccer and football. In high school, McAfee was a multi-sport athlete, excelling not only in football but also in soccer, where his powerful kick first became notable. His athleticism and versatility on the field earned him recognition, setting the stage for a promising future in sports.
College
McAfee attended West Virginia University, where he was a placekicker for the Mountaineers football team. Over his college career, McAfee became one of the most prolific kickers in school history. He set school records for most points scored by a kicker and most field goals made in a career. His performance on the field not only helped lead his team to several successful seasons, including multiple bowl appearances, but also caught the attention of NFL scouts.
NFL Career
Pat was drafted #222 overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2009 NFL Draft. McAfee played his entire NFL career with the Colts from 2009 to 2016. In 2009 he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and in 2014 he was a first-team All-Pro. Pat McAfee made the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2016.
Three knee operations in four seasons forced him to retire from football.
Pat's popularity in Indianapolis skyrocketed after he was arrested for drunkenly trying to swim across a canal after a late night of partying. Local news pilloried Pat for the stunt, but the coverage turned him into something of a local hero and fan favorite.
NFL Career Earnings
During his career Pat earned a shade over $15 million from salary and bonuses. His biggest contract came in 2014 when he signed a 5-year $14 million deal that came with $5 million in guarantees. He had previously earned around $4.7 million during his first five seasons with the team.
Getty
Wrestling
He has also worked as a comedian and pro wrestling analyst. Pat McAfee appeared on the panel at WWE's NXT TakeOver: New Orleans and NXT TakeOver: Chicago in 2018.
Podcast and Pat McAfee Inc
Immediately after retiring from the NFL, Pat joined Barstool Sports where he soon launched "The Pat McAfee Show" for Barstool's channel on Sirius. In August 2018 Pat announced he had severed his relationship with Barstool Sports after a disagreement with management over his pay.
After leaving Barstool Pat launched Pat McAfee Inc. (PMI). Over time PMI launched four self-produced podcasts, notably "The Pat McAfee Show 2.0" and "The Pod" which focused on gambling.
In 2020 Pat began hosting a show on Sirius again. This version of "The Pat McAfee Show" aired weekdays from 12 to 3pm on Mad Dog Sports Radio.
FanDuel Deal
In December 2021 Pat signed a deal with FanDuel that made it the exclusive sports book of the show. According to reports at the time the deal was first revealed, the contract pays $30 million per year and is a 4-year deal with an option to opt out after the third year. If these numbers are accurate, Pat will earn double his entire NFL career earnings every year of the deal.
ESPN Deal
On May 16, 2023, it was reported by Andrew Marchand of the New York Post that Pat McAfee is walking away from his $120 million deal with FanDuel in the fall to join ESPN. The Pat McAfee Show is expected to stay on YouTube and keep his crew intact. The source says he will earn more than $10 million per year with ESPN. A week later it was confirmed that McAfee would be joining ESPN under a 5-year, $85 million contract. That works out to $17 million per year.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Pat proposed to his girlfriend Samantha Ludy in February 2019. They married in August 2020.
In 2015 Pat paid $925,000 for a 12-acre property in Indianapolis that features a 10,600 square foot mansion, horse barn, creek, pool, woods, pasture and more.
