Pat McAfee Criticizes NFL 'Middle Management,' Cancels Draft Coverage in Protest

The former NFL punter and ESPN host cited logistical frustrations and perceived disrespect at the Scouting Combine as reasons for his decision.

Pat McAfee announced his show will not broadcast from the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, citing logistical obstacles and a lack of respect from NFL event organizers.
McAfee specifically criticized NFL 'middle management' for creating unnecessary hurdles, despite his show's positive relationship with the league's higher-ups.
The decision to skip the draft comes after McAfee faced similar frustrations while hosting his show from the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
McAfee and his team will instead broadcast from their Indianapolis studio, foregoing what could have been a significant event given co-host A.J. Hawk's ties to the Green Bay Packers.
This controversy follows other recent challenges for McAfee, including backlash over comments made during a WWE event and subsequent death threats targeting his family.