Pat McAfee adds 'Monday Night Countdown' to ESPN gigs

Pat McAfee is expanding his role at ESPN and joining the cast of "Monday Night Countdown" this NFL season, the network announced Wednesday.

McAfee and fellow newcomer Jason McCourty are joining host Scott Van Pelt and returning analysts Jason Kelce and Marcus Spears. The "Monday Night Football" pregame show airs from 6-8 p.m. ET on ESPN and NFL Network.

"'Tis an honor to be a part of MNF in any capacity. I hope I can be an asset as we start the journey to The Biggest Super Bowl of all time in LA on ESPN and ABC," McAfee posted on X.

McAfee, 39, will carry on hosting his daily sports talk show -- "The Pat McAfee Show" -- and continue his role with "College GameDay."

"College GameDay on Saturday.. Monday Night Countdown on Monday.. I'm the luckiest man on Earth. Football has been so good to me and my family.. I will try my best to continue to give back to it," he posted.

"We started this show in the basement.. no agent.. no publicist.. no manager.. no PR firm.. just a love of sport and it's people. So thankful for it all and for all of you who have followed along with this absurdly dumb life."

The Athletic reported in June that McAfee was expected to take on a larger role in ESPN's NFL coverage and was in the midst of talks for a contract extension in the neighborhood of $60 to $65 million annually.

McAfee was a punter with the Indianapolis Colts from 2009-16, earning two Pro Bowl selections as well as 2014 All-Pro first-team honors.

--Field Level Media