The NFL draft is quickly approaching, and while there is already plenty of drama surrounding the event regarding where players will be taken, there are now media-related issues that the league may have to address.
On Wednesday, one of the most prominent sports personalities revealed that he will not take his show to the April 24-26 Green Bay draft held at Lambeau Field. The personality in question is ESPN's Pat McAfee, who announced that he and his "Pat McAfee Show" team will cover the draft from their studio, the ThunderDome.
In a X post, McAfee also poked fun at the NFL, which may have had issues approving space for his set at this past week's scouting combine in Indianapolis.
We were invited by the NFL to the combine..
Just had to make sure there was enough space in the stadium
We will be doing the Draft Spectacular LIVE from the ThunderDome this year #PMSLivepic.twitter.com/qLVuUY36Il
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 3, 2025
McAfee's announcement of this news was quite sarcastic, clearly indicating his frustration with who he kept referring to as "middle management."
"No, middle management's doing exactly what they don't normally do," McAfee said. "They're making it easy. It's awesome. Those people matter for sure. You guys are really good at your jobs! Thank God they're there. Without them, could you imagine? Nobody would watch the NFL if it wasn't for these people being there."
The show then aired a few pictures of McAfee trying to measure different areas of Lucas Oil before he revealed that although the NFL invited them, there clearly wasn't a proper accommodation in place for him and his team.
"We were invited by you guys to do this," McAfee said. "Thank you. By people above you to do this. But thank you, thank you, thank you so much for making everything so easy...With that being said we will be doing the Draft Spectacular live from the Thunder Dome this year."
He later added that he wanted to attend the draft, but it was not "in the cards." Quite a tough look for the NFL, especially since McAfee's co-host AJ Hawk won a Super Bowl with the team, and spent all but two seasons of his career with the Packers.
It's hard to imagine that the NFL will love being called out, but McAfee has never been shy about voicing his opinions.
Related: Urban Meyer Didn't Hesitate When Naming Which Player He Would Draft No. 1 Overall
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This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 4:34 PM.