Even in the lightning-fast era of digital sports media, some things are still too good to be true -- a lesson the Pat McAfee Show learned the hard way this week. What began as a routine segment on the show's signature high-energy broadcast quickly spiraled into a viral "oops" moment when the crew was completely duped by a sophisticated AI-generated image of former Ohio State and NFL linebacker Lorenzo Styles Sr.
The image, which depicted a hyper-realistic but entirely fabricated version of Styles, prompted McAfee to exclaim, "He don’t play, either!" in admiration of the veteran's supposed physique. However, as internet sleuths were quick to point out, the "photo" was nothing more than a digital mirage, proving that even the biggest platforms in sports entertainment aren't immune to the increasingly blurry line between reality and artificial intelligence.
Here's more on the moment thats popping up on social media.
MORE:Who had the fastest 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine?
Who is Lorenzo Styles Sr?
Lorenzo Styles Sr. is a former NFL linebacker and Ohio State standout, best known as a key member of the St. Louis Rams' "Greatest Show on Turf" team that won Super Bowl 34.
The Styles family is OUTRAGEOUS
Sonny and Lorenzo PUT ON A SHOW at the NFL Combine #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/wBpamkQ47X
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 2, 2026
A dominant force in the 1990s, Styles has recently re-entered the spotlight not just because of the viral AI mishap on The Pat McAfee Show, but because of his high-achieving family and his own recent personal milestones.
His sons, Lorenzo Styles Jr. and Sonny Styles, both played at Ohio State and were standouts at the 2026 NFL Combine.
MORE: Fastest 40 times ever at the NFL Combine
How tall is Lorenzo Styles Sr?
Styles Sr. is listed at 6-foot-1 (1.85 m).
During his playing days with the Ohio State Buckeyes and in the NFL with the Falcons and Rams, he played at a weight of approximately 245 pounds.
His sons have brought even more size and speed to the Buckeye legacy. Sonny is 6-foot-4 while Lorenzo measures in at 6-foot, nearly identical to his father, but plays a much leaner game as a cornerback at 194 pounds.
MORE:NFL Draft order 2026
Did Lorenzo Styles Sr. play in the NFL?
Styles Sr. had a successful six-year career in the NFL as a linebacker and was a key contributor on one of the most famous teams in league history.
He was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round (77th overall) of the 1995 NFL Draft after a standout career at Ohio State. He played his first two seasons in Atlanta, primarily appearing on special teams and as a rotational linebacker.
Styles appeared in 70 career games, recording nearly 100 tackles. He won Super Bowl 34 with the Rams in January 2000, defeating the Tennessee Titans.
MORE:Heisman Trophy winners at the NFL Combine
Lorenzo Styles Jr., Sonny Styles Jr 40 times
The Styles brothers didn't just show up to the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis; they dismantled it. Lorenzo Styles Jr. set the turf on fire with a blistering 4.27-second 40-yard dash, the fastest time ever recorded by an Ohio State player in Combine history. His mark also stands as the fastest 40 by a safety since at least 2003, solidifying his status as an elite speed prospect.
THE STYLES BROTHERS ARE FLYING.@OhioStateFB S Lorenzo Styles Jr. and Sonny Styles' brother just ran a 4.28u.
2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/S2S6BUXF2h
— NFL (@NFL) February 27, 2026
Not to be outdone, his younger brother Sonny Styles -- a massive 6-foot-5, 244-pound linebacker -- clocked a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, which tied for the fastest at his position.
Sonny Styles is putting together one of the most absurd combine performances of all time
6’5 | 245 lbs
11'2" broad jump (T-4th all-time)*
43.5" vertical jump (1st all-time)*
4.47 40-Yard Dash
Top ___ player in the class
* - Among LBs
pic.twitter.com/HQsKTIsJRW
— Barstool Gambling (@stoolgambling) February 27, 2026
Beyond the sprint, Sonny's entire workout was a masterclass in rare athleticism. He became the first prospect in over 20 years to weigh more than 230 pounds while posting a sub-4.50 40-yard dash, a vertical jump over 40 inches (reaching a record 43.5 inches), and a broad jump over 11 feet. The NFL Network even featured a "Styles Cam" simulcast, showing the two brothers running side-by-side to highlight their shared explosive genetics.
MORE:NFL Combine measurements results 2026
Who is the producer of the Pat McAfee show?
The production of the Pat McAfee Show is managed by a close-knit group of long-time collaborators who have been with the program since its independent beginnings.
Ty Schmit serves as the lead producer and a primary on-air personality, having joined the enterprise as an intern in 2017 before working his way up to overseeing the show’s daily operations. In his role, Schmit is responsible for coordinating story ideas, managing guest bookings, and contributing to the show's creative direction alongside other key members of "The Boys."
Beyond his duties behind the camera, Schmit is a central figure at the "Toxic Table," where he provides live commentary and comedic impressions. While the show now airs on ESPN and utilizes network resources for its broadcast, the internal production remains driven by this core team.
It was during this high-energy, real-time production environment that the crew was recently misled by the viral AI-generated image of Lorenzo Styles Sr., highlighting the show's unfiltered and fast-paced approach to sports media.
MORE:Ranking the best NFL free agents, 1-100