ESPN Announces Pat McAfee News Amid NFL Offseason
The NFL offseason is typically a quieter time for players, coaches and media personalities, but Pat McAfee is still finding ways to make headlines.
On Tuesday, ESPN shared major news involving one of its biggest stars, announcing that McAfee has been named to TIME's inaugural list of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports for 2026. The recognition places the former NFL punter alongside some of the most impactful athletes, executives, coaches and media figures in the world of sports today.
ESPN celebrated the honor in a social media post, writing: "Congratulations to @PatMcAfeeShow on being named to the inaugural TIME100 Sports list."
The recognition serves as another milestone in what has become one of the most remarkable media success stories in sports.
Congratulations to @PatMcAfeeShow on being named to the inaugural #TIME100 Sports list
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) June 9, 2026
The 2026 list recognizes 100 of the most influential figures shaping the global sports landscape
More on McAfee: https://t.co/VSP3l5AKm6pic.twitter.com/88JdYHZLXc
Pat McAfee's Rise Continues
McAfee first became a household name during his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts, where he earned two Pro Bowl selections and a First-Team All-Pro honor before retiring in 2017.
Rather than stepping away from the spotlight, McAfee quickly built a media empire around his personality and unique approach to sports coverage. His daily program, "The Pat McAfee Show," exploded in popularity thanks to its unfiltered conversations, athlete interviews and entertaining style.
According to TIME, McAfee's influence reached another level after he signed a five-year, $85 million agreement with ESPN in 2023 to license his show to the network. The publication noted that his ability to blend sports, entertainment and news has made him one of the most recognizable voices in the industry.
Why TIME Honored McAfee
TIME's profile highlighted several factors behind McAfee's selection.
The publication pointed to his role on ESPN's popular College GameDay, where his on-campus kicking contests have become a weekly staple during college football season. Those contests have generated viral moments while helping distribute millions of dollars in prize money and charitable contributions.
TIME also recognized McAfee's crossover appeal through his work with WWE, which helped expand his audience beyond traditional sports fans.
"McAfee's access to sports and entertainment figures should give him a prominent voice for years to come," TIME wrote in its profile.
With football season still months away, the latest recognition is another reminder that McAfee remains one of the most influential figures in sports media and one of ESPN's biggest stars heading into the 2026 NFL season.
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This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 11:41 AM.