Pat McAfee is personally funding the high-stakes kicking contest on ESPN’s “College GameDay,” with his co-host Kirk Herbstreit confirming the host has already paid out over half a million dollars this season.
The Pat McAfee Kicking Contest challenges college students to make a 33-yard field goal for cash prizes that can range from $250,000 to $600,000. After two students successfully made the kick this season, some viewers grew skeptical about who was footing the substantial bill.
Herbstreit dispelled those rumors on the “Stugotz and Company” podcast. “He’s given over $500,000,” Herbstreit said. “People are like, ‘ESPN does that, right?’ I’m like, I know he makes a lot of money, but he’s writing checks to these guys. It’s cool.”
Students from Ohio State and Oklahoma have already collected winnings this year. Herbstreit also praised McAfee’s positive influence on the show. “He is an uplifter. He celebrates sports,” he said. “He’s been a great addition; we’re lucky to have him.”
McAfee, who also hosts “The Pat McAfee Show” on ESPN, often uses the contest to support charities. During a recent show in Knoxville, he partnered with The Pat Summitt Foundation to offer a $600,000 prize, although the student’s kick fell short.
His generosity is well-documented. A year ago, McAfee reportedly offered to pay his “College GameDay” co-hosts’ salaries to prevent layoffs, a move that successfully persuaded management to avoid making any cuts.
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