Did Pat McAfee Play Football? NFL Career Revealed

By Emma Wilson · April 21, 2029

Yes, Pat McAfee played professional football as a punter in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts from 2009 to 2016. A standout college athlete at West Virginia University, McAfee was selected in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Over his eight-season career, he earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors, establishing himself as one of the most dynamic punters of his era before retiring to pursue media and entertainment.

Pat McAfee's Football Career Overview

Pat McAfee's journey in professional football began after a successful college career at West Virginia University, where he excelled not only as a punter but also handled kickoff duties and even scored a field goal. His athleticism, consistency, and charismatic personality made him a fan favorite early on.

NFL Entry and Draft Background

Declared for the NFL Draft after his junior year in 2009
Selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2nd round (55th overall)
Rarely drafted punters; his selection highlighted his exceptional potential
Also had brief interest from NFL teams as a placekicker

Season-by-Season NFL Performance

Year	Team	Punts	Avg Yardage	Net Avg	Inside 20	Longest	Pro Bowl
2009	IND	74	44.8	39.2	24	63	No
2010	IND	54	46.5	40.1	18	65	No
2011	IND	59	45.9	39.4	17	61	No
2012	IND	74	46.1	40.8	27	65	No
2013	IND	75	47.7	41.6	31	64	Yes
2014	IND	67	48.1	42.4	29	66	Yes
2015	IND	56	47.9	42.2	21	62	No
2016	IND	51	46.8	41.0	18	60	No

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that McAfee reached peak performance between 2013 and 2014, averaging over 48 yards per punt and earning Pro Bowl selections in both seasons. His net average—indicating effective field position control—was consistently above league average, demonstrating elite directional punting and hang time.

Notably, his 66-yard long punt in 2014 showcased his leg strength, while his high number of punts inside the 20-yard line reflected strategic precision. These stats solidify his reputation as one of the top punters of the 2010s.

Accolades and Legacy in the NFL

Pat McAfee’s impact extended beyond raw statistics. He brought energy and visibility to a traditionally overlooked position.

Key Achievements

2× Pro Bowl selection (2014, 2015 seasons played in 2013–2014)
First-team All-Pro (2014)
Only punter in NFL history with two career touchdowns (one on fake punt pass, one on kickoff return in college)
Known for executing trick plays, including throwing a 25-yard touchdown pass on a fake field goal in 2014

Retirement and Transition

McAfee retired unexpectedly in March 2017 at age 29, citing a desire to explore opportunities beyond football. His retirement speech emphasized fulfillment and gratitude, marking a smooth transition into media.

He quickly launched The Pat McAfee Show, which grew into a major sports media platform, later partnering with ESPN and YouTube. His success post-NFL has kept his football legacy alive among fans.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pat McAfee's Football Career

Did Pat McAfee play any other positions in the NFL besides punter?

No, Pat McAfee exclusively served as a punter and kickoff specialist for the Indianapolis Colts. However, he occasionally participated in trick plays, most notably throwing a 25-yard touchdown pass on a fake field goal in 2014, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.

How many Pro Bowls did Pat McAfee make during his NFL career?

Pat McAfee was selected to the Pro Bowl twice—following the 2013 and 2014 NFL seasons. He was also named First-team All-Pro in 2014, recognizing him as the best punter in the league that year.

What college did Pat McAfee play football for?

Pat McAfee played college football at West Virginia University (WVU) from 2005 to 2008. He was a multi-role kicker, handling punting, kickoffs, and field goals, and even threw a touchdown pass and scored a rushing touchdown during his collegiate career.

Why did Pat McAfee retire from the NFL so early?

Pat McAfee retired in 2017 at age 29, citing personal fulfillment and a desire to pursue ventures outside of football. He stated he left the game on his own terms, healthy and happy, wanting to focus on media, entertainment, and business opportunities.

Has Pat McAfee ever returned to the NFL after retiring?

No, Pat McAfee has not returned to active NFL gameplay since retiring in 2017. However, he remains closely connected to the league through his media work, including appearances on ESPN’s Get Up and live broadcasts during playoff games and events like the NFL Draft.