ESPN Star Pat McAfee Stuns Millions After Lighting Up Live On Air [VIDEO]
Pat McAfee smoking clip goes viral on ESPN.
Pat McAfee gets paid so much money that he can do just about anything he wants to.
McAfee is on ESPN because of a massive licensing agreement that allows him to retain his creative independence. He first built a massive, loyal audience on YouTube before transitioning his daily show to the network. Consequently, ESPN wanted his unique ability to attract younger sports fans who consume digital content.
He has certainly done a great job of doing that.
Pat McAfee Caught Smoking Live on ESPN During His Show
Pat McAfee. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Pat McAfee is facing new backlash after viewers claimed he appeared to smoke weed live on ESPN. The controversial incident occurred during a recent broadcast of his popular daily sports talk show.
In the clip, you can see him put his joint down as it is smoking while he is speaking on a topic.
🚨TRENDING🚨
#NFL legend Pat McAfee was caught SMOKING live on ESPN whom doing his show today.
Pat McAfee is reported to be finalizing a massive extension worth over $60 million with the network to be the face.
This video has gone viral on social media: https://t.co/7zvSgRpzyy
— MLFootball (@MLFootball) September 17, 2026
This moment adds to ongoing complaints about his crude language on College GameDay. Critics argue that his rowdy antics make the channel much less kid-friendly.
Professional colleague Stephen A. Smith noted that McAfee works under a different set of rules. He owns his show completely and simply licenses the daily content to ESPN.
McAfee & ESPN Exploring New Deal
Pat McAfee. Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Pat McAfee is negotiating a massive contract extension with ESPN that could pay him up to $65 million annually. His high-powered representatives initially opened leverage talks with a staggering $100 million yearly proposal.
Consequently, the network is prepared to make him one of the highest-paid figures in all of sports media. This potential pay raise comes as he takes on broader responsibilities across their various major football broadcasts. He recently joined Monday Night Countdown and will heavily anchor the network’s upcoming premier Super Bowl coverage.
Amid separate company budget cuts, McAfee addressed the corporate reality by discussing his ongoing multi-million dollar relationship. He stated on his program, “Obviously, this is terrible” regarding the widespread talent changes affecting his colleagues.
He added, “But we are very honored that we are still partnered with ESPN” for sports entertainment.
