Pat McAfee hits back at critics for branding him the ‘culprit’ behind ESPN’s mass firing

McAfee has brushed aside the criticism welcoming the new ESPN challenge.

Pat McAfee hits back at critics for branding him the ‘culprit’ behind ESPN’s mass firing

Pat McAfee hits back at haters blaming him for the ESPN mass exits (Image Credit: SI)

ESPN has been busy laying off staff throughout the network for cost-cutting measures. They have already laid off around 20 notable TV and Sports presenters in less than a week. Well, it’s not all doom and gloom for the Sports news juggernauts, as they signed YouTube talk show host and analyst Pat McAfee.

Since the firings of several familiar faces on TV, social media has targeted McAfee. Blaming the mass exodus on the former Indianapolis Colts punter, ESPN signed the Pat McAfee show host by giving him a massive $85 million contract. He will not be the only one joining; his crew will also accompany him to the network.

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Seeing the recent backlash, McAfee took to Twitter to clarify his stand on the matter. “I did a lot of reflecting about our show’s journey while I was getting murdered on the internet today,” said McAfee. “All roads lead back to how honored I am to be the leader of such a talented group.”

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Pat McAfee’s net worth is $35 million and rightly so, he then addressed the “mass exits,” saying they will try their best,“are never a thing again.” However, a seasoned professional like McAfee knows it won’t be easy to achieve that fit. Moreover, he revealed that he wanted to work with some of the former presenters. “I wish we could’ve worked alongside a lot of the folks. Some absolute legends that we all respect,” said McAfee.

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Pat McAfee will be replacing some of the most decorated faces in the industry

Pat McAfee will be replacing some of the most decorated faces in the industry
From left: Suzy Kolber, Max Kellerman, and Keyshawn Johnson (Image via SI/New York Post)

While Pat McAfee tries to justify being the next face of ESPN, it will be an uphill task. He will be replacing some of the household names that fans have tuned into to watch for decades. Names like Suzy Kolber, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, and Jeff Van Gundy will no longer appear in their designated time slots on the Teli.

The famed Suzy Kolber, who was one of the longest-serving female presenters on the channel, is one of the notable cuts. She was a mainstay on NFL 32, Monday Night Football, and Monday Night Countdown. Kolber posted a heartfelt tweet after her curtain call on her 27-year-long ESPN career.

Popular boxing and soccer presenter Max Kellerman has already been off camera on ESPN since 2021. The former host of First Take fell out with colleague Stephen A. Smith.

Moreover, the firing of Keyshawn Johnson is the most surprising one considering he only signed a new deal last year worth $18 million. The former NFL star will be looking for a new work home as well.

There are, however, a few who can count themselves safe, like Mina Kimes, who is likely to get a massive promotion. Moreover, if rumors are to be believed, ESPN may try to sign free agent Shannon Sharpe.

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