What is PFT Commenter's net worth?
PFT Commenter is an American blogger, podcaster and sportswriter who has a net worth of $10 million.
PFT Commenter, whose real name is Eric Sollenberger, represents one of digital media's most remarkable character-to-celebrity transformations. Originally creating his persona as a satirical commenter on ProFootballTalk's website, he crafted an over-the-top parody of hyperbolic football fans and hot-take culture in sports media. Through his intentionally misspelled tweets and outlandish conspiracy theories, PFT Commenter developed a cult following that eventually led him to become one of sports media's most influential voices. His greatest success came through co-hosting "Pardon My Take" with Dan "Big Cat" Katz, which launched in 2016 and quickly became one of the world's most popular sports podcasts. What started as an elaborate internet bit evolved into a legitimate sports media career, with PFT maintaining his satirical character while simultaneously becoming a respected voice in sports journalism.
Podcast Earnings
It has been estimated that "Pardon My Take" generates $80,000 in revenue per episode.
Origins and Early Career
Before revealing his identity, PFT Commenter built his following through anonymous commenting and Twitter posts that parodied the worst aspects of football fandom and sports media discourse. His intentionally misspelled takes and commitment to elaborate conspiracy theories (like suggesting Joe Flacco is elite because he's secretly a dragon) caught the attention of sports media figures and fans alike. He began writing for SB Nation in 2012, maintaining his anonymous status while building his character's popularity through articles that perfectly captured the absurdity of sports media culture.
Rise at Barstool Sports
After joining Dave Portnoy's Barstool Sports in 2016, PFT Commenter's career reached new heights through "Pardon My Take." The podcast's immediate success demonstrated that his character could work in long-form content, not just in written form or short social media posts. Alongside Big Cat, he developed a chemistry that allowed them to simultaneously mock and celebrate sports culture, creating a show that appealed to both casual fans and serious sports enthusiasts.
(Photo by Demetrius Freeman/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Style and Impact
PFT's genius lies in his ability to maintain character while conducting legitimate interviews with major sports figures. His approach involves asking absurd questions that often lead to surprisingly insightful answers from guests. Despite wearing sunglasses in nearly every public appearance and maintaining his character's persona, he's earned respect throughout the sports world for his wit and intelligence. His writing style, which includes intentional misspellings and malapropisms, has actually influenced how many sports fans communicate online, creating a unique subcultural language among his followers.
Identity
While initially keeping his real identity private, Sollenberger was eventually revealed to be PFT Commenter through media reports. Rather than diminishing his character's appeal, this revelation has allowed him to occasionally step outside the bit while maintaining the essence of what made PFT Commenter popular. His background as a former teacher in Austin, Texas, and his genuine love for sports have helped him connect with audiences beyond just comedy. Despite his success, he's maintained the self-deprecating humor and satirical edge that made him famous, while expanding his role to include more traditional sports commentary and interviews.
Real Estate
In March 2023, Eric paid $2.4 million for a 5-bedroom, 2,400-square-foot loft apartment in Chicago.
