Pat McAfee facing backlash after viewers catch him apparently smoking live on ESPN

With football season underway, all eyes have been on Pat McAfee once again.

Between "College GameDay," his own show airing on ESPN, and appearances on "Monday Night Countdown," the former kicker is more active than ever in the media space. On Thursday, though, McAfee was receiving some backlash online.

During his daily episode of "The Pat McAfee Show," which airs live on ESPN, McAfee appeared to be smoking.

Here's a look at the viral clip of McAfee during Thursday's show.

MORE: Inside Pat McAfee's loaded ESPN schedule for 2026 football season

Pat McAfee faces backlash after allegedly smoking live on ESPN

In a clip with over 1 million views on X, over a few seconds of McAfee's show on Thursday, he appeared to have been smoking on the set.

Pat McAfee smoking live on ESPN? pic.twitter.com/VHlKslAVaD

— America’s Team (@RoadToSix) September 17, 2026

Sports fans questioned whether he was smoking marijuana during his show, with some criticizing him over the clip.

ESPN used to have class what happened https://t.co/z07ciSdcDJ

— Christina Lloyd (John Logan has my ❤️) (@_ThisLoveFan) September 17, 2026

I’m not mad at it, but a long list of people not named Pat McAfee would probably be punished/fired for this.. https://t.co/PZ0AmGob9v

— Alexis Chassen (@Lovelybuckeye) September 17, 2026

Others, meanwhile, took no issue with McAfee.

Good for him, man. Yall need to chill out. https://t.co/K0RMO3RxAi

— Tommy Callahan (@yalltitanup) September 17, 2026

His show, his studio 💪 https://t.co/ypj81cEENL

— TXRewb (@HtownClears) September 17, 2026

McAfee has been spotted smoking on the set of his events in the past. At the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, he appeared to take a hit from a vape pen before throwing it back into the crowd.

— Kyle Malzhan (@KyleMalzhan) April 25, 2025

In 2024, McAfee was also open about his decision to smoke weed on an episode of "All the Smoke."

"I smoke a lot of weed," McAfee said when asked how he balances negativity and stays focused. "I do. I think that's a massive piece of it for me."

Neither ESPN nor McAfee have addressed the video circulating online.