The Pat McAfee Show recorded one of its highest viewership years yet at ESPN in 2025, averaging about 436,000 viewers. But that’s not the only record that the show made, as it generated more than 1 billion social media views for the first time in a single month back in September. That’s good news for Pat McAfee, considering the recent merger between ESPN and the NFL. The viewership will keep the show on the network amid a long-term contract, but before that happens, the host will be taking a small break from the network this Friday amid personal commitments.

“Programming Update: Friday, The @PatMcAfeeShow will be off-air for a scheduled break,” ESPN PR confirmed on X. “The @RichEisenShow will air from Noon–2 p.m. ET on ESPN & Noon–3 p.m. ET on Disney+, @ESPNRadio & the ESPN App.”

While the network confirmed McAfee’s absence as due to a “scheduled break,” the reason behind the break could be Samantha’s emergency C-Section due to a high-risk pregnancy. According to McAfee’s latest IG post, the couple welcomed their second child, a baby boy, Midas Robert McAfee, a week ago. McAfee’s Instagram post read,

“Please help @MrsMcAfeeShow, Mackenzie, and I welcome Midas Robert McAfee to our family,” McAfee began his post. “Due to Samantha having a high-risk pregnancy and severe preeclampsia, the decision was made to have an emergency C-Section on Friday night. Baby boy entered the world on May 22nd at 10:42 PM as a 6lb 6oz screaming young legend. 10 Toes, 10 Fingers, full head of hair.”

Neither Pat McAfee nor ESPN has revealed the emergency operation to be the reason behind his absence this break, but it wouldn’t be wrong to assume that the former Colts icon will need some time off to be with his family. Hence, the network has substituted the Rich Eisen Show as a replacement for the Pat McAfee Show on coming Friday. However, this isn’t the first time that Rich Eisen will take over, as he has already done so earlier this year.

After the Super Bowl, Pat McAfee and crew were taken off air as the 38-year-old took a break for a few weeks, following which The Rich Eisen Show replaced the Pat McAfee Show from February 10 to 24.

“Programming Update: Feb. 10-24, The @PatMcAfeeShow will be off-air on a scheduled break. The @RichEisenShow will air from Noon-2 p.m. ET on ESPN. The program will return on Wednesday, Feb. 25,” ESPN confirmed via social media.

While Pat McAfee is taking a scheduled break this week, it isn’t a sign that ESPN is moving away from the former Indy punter. Rather, it’s the opposite, especially with the network reportedly doubling its investment in McAfee and his show.

ESPN and Pat McAfee continue “long-term contract extension talks” as per reports

After calling it a career in 2017, Pat McAfee made a quick transition into his second act after football by joining Barstool Sports and starting The Pat McAfee Show. As the show grew in popularity, ESPN identified it as a valuable asset and purchased its rights in 2023, reportedly at $85 million over five years.

Now, three years since that deal, ESPN is reported to double down on that investment as extension talks with McAfee have already begun.

“Pat McAfee and ESPN are engaged in long-term contract extension talks, sources told Front Office Sports. McAfee’s current five-year deal with ESPN is not up until 2028, and finalization of a new contract wasn’t imminent, the sources said. An ESPN spokesperson declined to comment,” FOS’s Ryan Glasspiegel reported.

With Pat McAfee continuing to rise at ESPN as one of the network’s biggest names, it’s clear that the network has no plans to let him go anytime soon. As extension talks continue, both sides appear committed to keeping one of sports media’s most popular shows right where it is.