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Pat McAfee is a genius’, says Steve Levy as ESPN analyst racks up ‘enormous’ ratings across both TV and social media
Levy revealed when he realized McAfee was a potential star
ESPN journalist Steve Levy thinks Pat McAfee is a breath of fresh air in the sports media industry.
The TV star, 37, has racked up a huge audience 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 fluke.
“I was just a guest on his show the other day and I think he’s a genius. I think he gets it,” he said.
“One 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 taken to hockey, and he gets great guests.
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"So I think he recognizes that, he didn’t grow up with it, but hockey’s going to be a player in the sports landscape.”
McAfee's show averaged 389,000 viewers in April on ESPN and YouTube.
But he hit nearly 400 million views across his social media channels.
“I can tell you, his reach must be enormous,” NHL analyst Levy said.
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“Every time I do his show, I can’t believe how many messages I get on my phone from people who have seen it.
"And that’s not exactly drive time so it’s amazing how many people are seeing his show.
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“He’s got immense power now in the industry, and he’s everywhere.
"He’s really smart, he takes his show on the road, which is really important, a chance to touch the people, be out, College GameDay and all that."
Levy says is was obvious that McAfee could be a TV star after watching him during his time in the league.
“He’s just funny, right? His way about him, he’s obviously fearless,” he added.
“McAfee was just on fire, on the sideline, in uniform, in helmet, he was so funny, so entertaining.
“I’m like, ‘Oh my god, this guy’s going to be a natural. He’s done standup comedy, he can probably sing and dance too, he’s probably good at chess.
"He’s one of those guys, I think he’s got it all going on. 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 ventue.
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The popular host even managed to get Belichick himself on the show during the NFL Draft.
JJ Watt recently commented on a potential return to the NFL after being quizzed by McAfee.