USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Pat McAfee is firing back at the online criticism over his College GameDay stint.
Last week, Jerry Brewer of The NY Times/ The Athletic wrote a column about McAfee taking over College GameDay with his antics, including taking off his shirt.
Pat McAfee has brought younger, wilder energy to “College GameDay.”
But his growing presence across ESPN raises a question about how much one personality can shape a show built on tradition.
Read for free, from @JerryBrewer: https://t.co/OAyiooJsd0 https://t.co/zVCDRXEm5t
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) October 15, 2026
The Internet also mocked McAfee over his GameDay behavior.
Oh my god no way😂😂Pat Mcafee just took his shirt off on national television🔥🔥Loving this original content and innovation for sports journalism🔥😎👊🏻I just CANT get enough of this freakin legend🍺 https://t.co/YSQKCMcKUI
— Richard “Slick Rick” Sackington (@slicksackington) October 17, 2026
On Saturday, McAfee fired back at the NY Times and once again took off his shirt on stage in response to his haters.
“New York Times always saying it! ‘This a**hole is shirtless at 9:02 a.m. Eastern!’ Sorry, Coach. I’m ruining the whole sport; I’m ruining the whole sport because of this.”
Pat McAfee: “New York Times always saying it! ‘This a**hole is shirtless at 9:02 a.m. Eastern!’ Sorry, Coach. I’m ruining the whole sport; I’m ruining the whole sport because of this.” https://t.co/rnOxme3PPt
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 24, 2026
Fans reacted to McAfee’s GameDay response.
Pat McAfee might be the most thin-skinned person to ever work at ESPN — and that’s really saying something…
— College Sports Only (@CSOonX) October 24, 2026