The Amazon is already preparing for the 2022 NFL season with a Thursday Night Football broadcasting duo of Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit. After seeing the success of ESPN’s alternate broadcast, the “ManningCast”, Amazon could be eyeing Pat McAfee for its own version.
As ESPN learned in 2021, alternate broadcasts for live sports can draw in sizable audiences when an engaging personality is on screen. As The Pat McAfee Show and guest appearances during WrestleMania have shown, McAfee knows how to entertain an audience.
It’s evidently caught the attention of Amazon’s executives. Months before launching its primary broadcasting team with Michaels and Herbstreit in the booth, the company seems to be looking at McAfee as the star of a separate broadcast.
According to Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports, Amazon Prime Video is targeting McAfee for an alternate “McAfee-Cast” that would stream during the network’s TNF broadcasts.
As for the potential role, it would be perfect for the former Indianapolis Colts punter. Instead of being on the sideline to do occasional interviews, McAfee would be the featured host for the second streaming broadcast.
Related: 2022 NFL schedule
“He’d be the unquestioned star — without having to play the kooky sideline reporter in support of TNF’s lead broadcast team of Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit.”
Front Office Sports’ Michael McCarthy on potential Pat McAfee megacast
There’s certainly plenty of appeal for Amazon Prime Video. The Pat McAfee Show quickly emerged as one of the most popular daily sports radio programs. Another huge plus, like Peyton and Eli Manning, McAfee could bring in stars from across pro sports to provide additional commentary and insight.
Already paying the NFL $1 billion per season for the exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football games, with the deal running through 2023, bringing McAfee aboard would just be another step towards Amazon further entrenching itself in the future of live sports.
