Pat McAfee pushes back on critics — including JJ Watt — that say he’s to blame for ESPN layoffs

Pat McAfee has faced some heat in the wake of ESPN’s mass layoffs — and he’s not going quiet about it.

Despite reportedly being in talks with ESPN on a new contract worth up to $65 million annually, McAfee said Tuesday that his eponymous show often gets blamed for the network’s layoffs — including this week’s round of layoffs that included ex-NFL stars Ryan Clark and Cam Newton and mainstay Karl Ravech. 

McAfee responded to his show getting criticism for the layoffs, and briefly discussed his thoughts on those who were laid off this week. 

Pat McAfee on “The Pat McAfee Show.”

“We hate any time this happens. Obviously this is terrible. We don’t like that,” McAfee said Tuesday. “But we are very honored that we are still partnered with ESPN and Disney for the good of sport and the future.”

While some believe that licensing fee for “The Pat McAfee Show” comes at the expense of others, the former NFL punter downplayed that narrative. 

“The first time we licensed the show through ESPN, one of these happened, we got blamed,” McAfee said. 

“OK, OK. Thank you. I feel like you don’t fully understand budgets and where things are coming from, but I do appreciate that. This time, we’re getting blamed as well. Which I guess I can understand, but I mean, there’s billions and billions of dollars in these companies, and hard decisions have to get made.

“And we don’t like any of them, and we hope we’re an asset to the company going forward.”

During an interview on McAfee’s show Tuesday, former NFL superstar J.J. Watt even took a shot at McAfee’s proposed salary amid ESPN’s layoffs. 

Former NFL great and Minority team owner of the Burnley FC J. J. Watt watches his team take the field for warm-up before their International Friendly match against Real Salt Lake at America First Field on July 15, 2026 in Sandy, Utah. Getty Images

“Slow, slow news day over there on the ESPN airwaves, huh?” Watt said, according to the Daily Mail. “I mean, besides the fact that you’re getting $100 million… Did they keep anybody? Or is everybody fired to pay you? I’m trying to figure that out.” 

McAfee wasn’t fond of Watt’s comments. 

“We do not appreciate that,” McAfee replied. “That is the narrative, and I’m certainly taking it on the shins.

“The boys and I are very proud of the work that we have done. Thanks.”