Introduction
In the vibrant intersection of sports, media, and entertainment, one figure stands out: Pat McAfee. From his days as an NFL punter to becoming a sports media powerhouse, McAfee has redefined versatility. Today, he is not just a household name—he’s the charismatic face behind a high-energy, high-stakes college football kicking contest and a robust media empire. Let’s journey through his beginnings, the phenomenon of his “Kicking Contest,” and dive deep into his net worth—all in one comprehensive, piece.
1. From NFL Fields to Broadcasting Fame
A. NFL Punter Extraordinaire
Pat McAfee’s journey began at West Virginia University, where he excelled as both kicker and punter. Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft, he quickly established himself as a premier punter. Highlights of his career include:
-
A Pro Bowl selection and First-Team All-Pro honors in 2014
-
An impressive career punting average in the mid-40 yards
-
Eight seasons of standout performance with the Colts
Retiring in 2017 at just 29, McAfee left behind more than $14 million in NFL earnings—opting instead to chase bigger dreams beyond the gridiron.
B. The Rise of a Media Mogul
Soon after retirement, McAfee launched The Pat McAfee Show, first with Barstool Sports, becoming a viral sports talk sensation. Eventually, he parted ways and built his own media empire under Pat McAfee Inc., expanding into podcasts, live shows, and commentary.
In September 2023, McAfee inked a major deal with ESPN—reportedly worth $85 million over five years—bringing his show to ESPN’s television networks, YouTube, and ESPN+.
2. The Kicking Contest: High Stakes + High Drama
A. What It Is
McAfee’s Kicking Contest features on ESPN’s College GameDay, where randomly selected college students (or fans) are drawn to attempt a 33-yard field goal for large sums of money—on game day, live, and in front of a big audience.
Rules mandate:
-
Participants must be U.S. residents aged 18+ (non-athletes)
-
Tickets are drawn from the “Pit” before the show
-
Verification and waivers are required before participating
ESPN
B. Wild Moments and Generous Payouts
The excitement of near-impossible prizes creates magnetic, unforgettable moments:
-
In December 2024, McAfee awarded $650,000 across winners at different campus stops—Texas A&M ($50K), Cal ($100K), Oregon ($100K), and Georgia ($400K)
-
But he also faced $5 million in missed potential payoffs across numerous failed attempts
Some of the most memorable blows:
-
A South Carolina student—Joshua Watson—mocked kickers, then badly shanked his attempt. Despite missing, McAfee and guest Darius Rucker still donated $60,000 to the Walk-On for Jake Scholarship, raising the pot to $120,000.
-
Kirk Herbstreit’s dog, Peter, once unexpectedly defecated mid-contest while a contestant nailed a $250,000 kick—McAfee quipped, “through manure, great things grow.”
-
On another occasion, a fan tried barefoot for a $400K kick but was distracted by Peter. He got a second chance for $500K and missed again—McAfee still pledged $100,000 to charity.
-
Most recently (September 6, 2025), Jack Daugard, a lacrosse player with no kicking background, traveled 20 hours to enter the contest—and nailed a 30-yard field goal, winning $200,000 from McAfee.
These events fuse spectacle, generosity, and unpredictability—switching up stakes mid-air and captivating audiences nationwide.
3. Net Worth: The Business Behind the Bravado
A. What’s the Number?
As of 2025, Pat McAfee’s net worth is estimated at around $60 million, with his annual earnings hovering around $17 million
B. How He Built It
Here’s a breakdown of his revenue streams:
-
NFL Career Earnings (~$15M)
-
Media Empire—launching The Pat McAfee Show and other podcasts (via Pat McAfee Inc.)
-
ESPN Deal—$85M over five years from September 2023
-
WWE Involvement—as commentator and occasional in-ring talent
-
Endorsements & Sponsorships—FanDuel, DraftKings, Lululemon, Twitch
C. Philanthropy & Generosity
Beyond his personal wealth, McAfee gives back—often in tandem with his kicking contests. He’s donated millions:
-
In 2021 alone, more than $6 million went to his hometown high school sports and children’s hospitals
-
In 2020, contributed $200,000 to the Barstool Fund
Wikipedia
Moments from the Kicking Contest also illustrate his spirit: from donating when kicks fail to funding scholarships and disaster relief.
Conclusion
Pat McAfee continues to defy the norms:
-
From NFL standout to a bold media entrepreneur
-
From launching high-stakes kicking contests that blend humor, tension, and philanthropy
-
To building a ~$60 million net worth through diverse media partnerships and smart branding
His career is a masterclass in evolution—leveraging authenticity, entertainment, and generosity. Whether you’re catching him on College GameDay, tuning into his daily show, or witnessing the next viral moment on the field, McAfee is always delivering.
