Pat McAfee announces release date of ‘polarizing’ debut album

“For as long as I can remember my mere existence has made people hate my guts,” he wrote. “I’ve been writing songs about it for 20yrs & it’s time to let them aht.. A LOT of headlines & narratives.. if I was to die, I’d like my kids to know exactly who their dad is.”

Pat McAfee’s ventures after NFL retirement

Since retiring from the NFL after the 2016 season, McAfee has had no shortage of other interests. Of course, he hosts The Pat McAfee Show, which now airs on ESPN.

Additionally, he had a lengthy run in professional wrestling. McAfee had a feud with Adam Cole in NXT that began in 2018. He was also a pre-show analyst for the developmental brand.

In 2021, McAfee was introduced as a color commentator alongside Michael Cole for Friday Night SmackDown. He would still occasionally compete in matches, facing the likes of Austin Theory, Vince McMahon, Baron Corbin, and Gunther, while a commentator.

He’d sporadically return to WWE for runs over the next couple of years. McAfee would return to WWE in April 2026, aligning with Randy Orton ahead of the “Viper’s” match against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42. He would continue playing a role as Orton’s manager until he was taken out by Rhodes and Jelly Roll during the match.

McAfee had added the stipulation that if Orton had lost, he would retire from professional wrestling forever. It has been a few months, and he appears done. However, you can never say never in the world of pro wrestling.