1. Introduction
Pat McAfee isn’t just a former NFL punter—he’s a media mogul, WWE commentator, and sports entertainment personality. From his punting days with the Indianapolis Colts to hosting one of the most talked-about sports shows and stepping into the squared circle, McAfee’s career arc is a masterclass in reinvention and success.
2. From NFL Punter to Media Powerhouse
NFL Career & Punter Earnings
Drafted in 2009 in the seventh round by the Colts, McAfee punted for eight seasons. According to OverTheCap, his total career earnings in the NFL were approximately $14.8 million, with an average of about $1.85 million per year.
Career Highs
In 2014, he received a $4 million cash bonus, and his largest cap value was $3.2 million in 2015.
Transition to Media
After retiring in 2017, he launched The Pat McAfee Show, initially with Barstool Sports. That show eventually made its way to SiriusXM, and then to ESPN—setting the stage for his media empire Wikipedia.
3. Contract & Salary Breakdown
FanDuel Deal
In December 2021, McAfee signed a 4-year, $120 million sponsorship with FanDuel, serving as the show’s official sportsbook partner—a deal rumored to be worth $30 million annually.
ESPN Deal
In May 2023, he opted out of FanDuel to join ESPN under a 5-year, $85 million contract—equating to about $17 million per year.
Salary Summary
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NFL career earnings: ~$14.8 million total; ~$1.85M/year
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FanDuel sponsorship: Up to $30M/year (est.)
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ESPN contract: ~$17M/year currently
These media deals far exceed his NFL earnings, marking a dramatic pivot and windfall following retirement.
4. Net Worth & Earnings
Estimated Net Worth
Multiple sources converge on a $60 million net worth as of 2025
How It All Adds Up
His wealth stems from:
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Current ESPN contract (~$17M/year)
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Past FanDuel deal
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Podcasting ventures (The Pat McAfee Show, YouTube, sponsorships)
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Endorsements with brands like DraftKings, Lululemon, Twitch.
5. WWE: Gameday, Commentary & In-Ring Moments
Commentary Role
McAfee debuted with WWE in 2018, initially appearing on NXT and later becoming a full-time commentator on SmackDown alongside Michael Cole starting in April 2021
Iconic Matches
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WrestleMania 38 (2022): McAfee defeated Theory, followed by an impromptu match against Vince McMahon—emerging as an unforgettable moment.
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SummerSlam: Defeated Baron Corbin in a highly publicized feud.
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Royal Rumble & WrestleMania 39 (2023–2024): Surprise entries and wins reinforced his crossover appeal.
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WWE Raw Returns: Returned in early 2024, and again in January 2025 when Raw moved to Netflix.
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Backlash 2025: Faced Gunther in a match won by Gunther via technical submission.
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Hiatuses: Took breaks due to his ESPN schedule and mental exhaustion, reflecting challenges of juggling dual roles.
6. Current Developments & Industry Impact
ESPN Contracts & Conflicts
In August 2025, WWE and ESPN announced a $1.6 billion, 5-year streaming deal, which McAfee publicly applauded—even while criticizing some ESPN executives in his typically unfiltered style.
Internal ESPN Dynamics
In May 2025, McAfee reacted to ESPN’s decision to air Rich Eisen’s show during his time slot with curiosity and a hint of competition. Additionally, he weathered backlash for controversial remarks made during a WWE event commentary, later issuing an on-air apology The Sun.
7. Conclusion
Pat McAfee’s story is one of transformation—from NFL punter to media titan, podcast powerhouse, and WWE star. His ESPN deal may be his most lucrative yet, but it’s his persona and cross-industry appeal that elevate his brand. Whether behind the mic, in the ring, or leading a media business, McAfee remains a dominant force in sports entertainment.
