Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Pat McAfee Makes Big Decision Amid Football Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ankit K. | Last updated Feb 19, 2026 2:03 PM ET

Pat McAfee is not slowing down during the football offseason. Instead, he is expanding his reach beyond sports.

Front Office Sports reported that McAfee has hired Hollywood superagent Ari Emanuel, who plans to build him into a crossover star.

"Pat McAfee has hired Hollywood superagent Ari Emanuel, who wants to turn him "into the next Sylvester Stallone." He has already started to book McAfee for movie and TV roles." The X post reads.

McAfee recently appeared in the series Tulsa King and landed a role in the 2026 film The Mosquito Bowl. The move signals a clear shift as he adds acting to a growing list of ventures.

Pat McAfee has hired Hollywood superagent Ari Emanuel, who wants to turn him "into the next Sylvester Stallone."

He has already started to book McAfee for movie and TV roles.

(via @business) pic.twitter.com/yLFb7T7xOu
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) February 19, 2026

Meanwhile, McAfee remains a fixture on ESPN. He hosts The Pat McAfee Show, which averaged 575,000 daily viewers by January 2026 across platforms. The program has become a key part of ESPN’s weekday lineup. He also serves as an analyst on College GameDay and returned to WWE commentary this year.

Before the media, McAfee built his name in the NFL. The Indianapolis Colts selected him in the seventh round of the 2009 draft. He earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2014 and made two Pro Bowls. Over eight seasons, he averaged 46.4 yards per punt.

Pat McAfee on the Pat McAfee Show set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

McAfee retired at 29 to focus on media and quickly built a strong brand. His show’s digital growth helped redefine athlete-driven content. Off the field, McAfee lives in Indianapolis with his wife, Samantha, and their daughter. They are expecting a son in June 2026.

With Emanuel guiding his next step, McAfee now aims for a broader stage. Football may be in its quiet months, but his calendar is only getting busier.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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