NFL Punter Makes Unusual Career Change

Indianapolis Colts' Pat McAfee will produce content for satirical Barstool Sports site
By Jenn Gidman,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 2, 2017 11:47 AM CST
NFL Punter Quits League for Comedy
In this Dec. 11, 2016, file photo, Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee warms up before a game.   (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)

One of the best punters the Indianapolis Colts ever had just kicked his NFL career to the curb. At just 29, Pat McAfee has decided to walk away from the game and onto the comedy scene, a surprise he announced on live TV Wednesday night, the Indianapolis Star reports. His new gig will involve managing content production for Barstool Sports, a satirical website that will soon be opening a branch in Indianapolis, which apparently helped seal the deal for McAfee.

Just after midnight Wednesday, McAfee, who does standup comedy, posted a long explainer on Twitter for his decision, which came about partly because of physical issues (the Star notes he's had multiple knee surgeries) and a desire for a fresh start. He referenced some of his misfires (including a 2010 arrest for public intoxication) on Wednesday night, joking, "My life has been littered with terrible decisions—this is at the top of the list." Just a few minutes after McAfee posted his tweet, Barstool put up one of its own welcoming him into the fold. (More Pat McAfee stories.)

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