Pat McAfee believes he is a locker room guy and an energy guy. He loves college football, and, for the most part, the fans. It’s the negativity and backlash that gives him pause.
Kirk Herbstreit wasn’t going to hear it. Appearing on “The Pat McAfee Show,” the “College GameDay” analyst threatened to the leave the show if McAfee walks away.
“I’m just going to say this right now,” he said Friday. “If you dare even think of leaving “College GameDay,” I’m leaving with you. I am. I am. I’m dead serious. ...
“I’m not kissing your ass. I’m not just telling you that - and I told you this a lot - that you’ve changed my experience. I work really hard with these three projects I’m on. I’m on GameDay, the Thursday night game with Al (Michaels) and Saturday with Chris (Fowler). You’ve really changed the approach, the energy, not just on the set, but like the week. I’m having a blast. ... It’s like being on a team where you get good energy.”
It’s clear the reaction McAfee has gotten from college football fans this season has weighed on him.
“These college fans are awesome,” explained. “They are phenomenal. They are incredibly passionate, but, man, that negativity. Normally when I get dropped into the new show - like WWE - that negativity is like three months. They hate everything about me. Then they are like, ‘This guy, not that bad.’”
In the end, McAfee announced, “I’m back. I’ll come back.”
“I don’t love that my life will continue to have people telling me to run into oncoming traffic and swallow a barrel,” he added. “I’m just trying to bring a little happiness to people’s lives.”
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.