ESPN journalist Steve Levy thinks Pat McAfee is a breath of fresh air in the sports media industry.
The 37-year-old TV star has built a huge following since retiring from a successful career as a punter with the Indianapolis Colts.
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And Levy, 59, thinks his success is no accident.
“I was just a guest on his show the other day and I think he’s a genius. I think he understands,” he said.
“An example of that is, all of a sudden, I was joking with him – it was like we were on the NHL Network on his show.
“He’s drawn to hockey and has great guests.
“So I think he recognizes that, he didn’t grow up with it, but hockey is going to be a player on the sports scene.”
McAfee’s show averaged 389,000 viewers in April on ESPN and YouTube.
But he reached almost 400 million views on his social media channels.
“I can tell you his range has to be huge,” said Levy, the NHL analyst.
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“Every time I do his show, I can’t believe how many messages I get on my cell phone from people who have seen it.
“And this isn’t exactly tour time, so it’s amazing how many people are seeing his show.
“He has immense power now in the industry and he is everywhere.
“He’s really smart, he takes his show on the road, which is really important, a chance to touch people, get out, College GameDay and everything.”
Levy says it was obvious McAfee could become a TV star after watching him during his time in the league.
“He’s just funny, right? The way he is, he’s obviously fearless,” she added.
“McAfee was on fire, on the sideline, in uniform, in helmet, he was so funny, so entertaining.
“I’m like, ‘Oh my God, this guy is going to be a natural. He’s done stand-up comedy, he probably can sing and dance too, he’s probably good at chess.
“He’s one of those guys, I think he has what it takes. He’s an impressive character, for sure.”
McAfee’s recent guests have included legendary quarterback Peyton Manning, who shed light on Bill Belichick’s next career venture.
The popular host even managed to get Belichick himself on the show during the NFL Draft.
JJ Watt recently commented on a possible return to the NFL after being questioned by McAfee.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
