INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Indianapolis Colt Pat McAfee has announced he’s retiring from the NFL to pursue a career in comedy.
The 29-year-old punter made the announcement during an appearance on the Comedy Central sports show “Barstool Rundown” around 12:30 a.m. Thursday.
https://twitter.com/barstoolsports/status/827027292463443971
McAfee says he’ll work for the comedy show, but he plans to stay in Indianapolis.
“They wanted me to move to NY to join their headquarters in Manhattan. I refused,” said McAfee in a statement. “I told them I won’t leave Indianapolis.”
He says he plans to produce content for the “Barstool” platform from a downtown studio.
McAfee has been with the Colts since they drafted him in the seventh round of 2009. Before that, he was a placekicker, punter and a soccer player at West Virginia University.
McAfee says Colts owner Jim Irsay was supportive of his decision.
“Jim Irsay is one of the best humans on earth. He and I chatted about all this for an hour and 45 minutes earlier this week. Amongst all the turnover, and new hires, and everything going on, he made time to visit me.
“He obviously wanted me to play a few more years, but when he saw my excitement for the opportunity, he did nothing but support me.”
McAfee says he loves Indiana and is excited to show the world why.
“I will continue to repay you for the rest of my life,” he said. “I was lucky to be a Colt, but I’m blessed to be a Hoosier. Forever”
McAfee has been honing his comedy chops for quite some time now. He recently used his comedic talents to raise money for homeless Indianapolis veterans.
Read McAfee’s full statement below:
