Pat McAfee’s pockets have been getting lighter, whether fans know it or not.
Two times already this season, college students have successfully kicked a 33-yarder through the uprights in the Pat McAfee Kicking Contest hosted during ESPN’s “College GameDay” for a wad of cash that can range anywhere between $250,000 to $600,000.
Due to the steep price tag and the regularity of students nailing the kick, some viewers have been skeptical of whether McAfee is paying out the prize.
However, co-host Kirk Herbstreit put that narrative to bed.
“He’s given over $500,000,” Herbstreit said Friday on the “Stugotz and Company” podcast.
“People are like, ‘ESPN does that, right?’ I’m like, I know he makes a lot of money, but he’s writing checks to these guys. It’s cool.”
Students at Ohio State and Oklahoma have gone home this year with McAfee’s money.
Herbstreit is both shocked and inspired by McAfee’s commitment inside and outside of funding the event that has become a centerpiece of the show each weekend.
“He’s an uplifting presence,” Herbstreit said. “People sometimes see him, he takes his shirt off, he yells — you’re really missing what his spirit. He is an uplifter. He celebrates sports. He’s been a great addition; we’re lucky to have him.”
McAfee, who also hosts “The Pat McAfee Show” on ESPN, typically will double the price pot with donations to charity and last week in Knoxville, he worked with The Pat Summitt Foundation to put up a huge $600,000 check on the line.
However, the student’s kick fell short.
McAfee has donated a substantial amount of money to charity throughout his career as part of making a community with his fan base and to give back to those who once gave to him.
A year ago, he even helped stave off budget cuts and layoffs on “College GameDay” by offering to pay his co-hosts himself. The move ultimately made management not make any cuts.