Pat McAfee has been a jack of many trades over the years. After an eight-season NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts pivoted into broadcasting. He became a standout analyst on ESPN’s “College GameDay.” His flagship program, “The Pat McAfee Show,” has grown into a cultural force, blending sports analysis with comedy and candid interviews. The show’s success led to a major deal with ESPN, where it now airs as part of the network’s weekday lineup. Beyond the studio, McAfee has made waves in WWE, both as a commentator and in-ring performer, and continues to explore new ventures. 

McAfee’s career pivots feel like a ’90s action flick montage. Think Jordan swapping hoops for cleats, but with more swagger and fewer strikeouts. The man who once booted 67-yard punts now drops takes hotter than Buffalo wings. However, there’s a twist lurking. Something’s stirring in Cary, North Carolina—a town better known for college ball than global showdowns.

On Tuesday, McAfee dropped a bombshell: he’s lacing up again, this time for The Soccer Tournament’s 2025 $1 million 7v7 soccer event. His squad, CONCAFA SC, is back after a 2024 quarterfinal run. TST7v7 shared the update on Instagram: “BREAKING NEWS: Pat McAfee’s The Concafa SC will BE BACK FOR TST 2025! Ohhhh oh oh CONCAFA‼️THIS IS WHAT YOU HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR!” McAfee will be joined by returning teammates like ex-USMNT stars Geoff Cameron, who will lead the team and Brek Shea, alongside the viral “Arena Boys.”

Last year, the Colts’ ex-punter, McAfee’s squad, fell 1-0 to Hoosier Army, but 2025’s bracket is a gauntlet. Group F pits CONCAFA against Premier League side AFC Bournemouth, viral underdogs Real Athletico, and Hollywood’s favorite sports story, the Wrexham Red Dragons. Besides, TST isn’t just a sideshow.

It’s soccer’s answer to March Madness, with 48 teams chasing life-changing money. Defending champs La Bombonera loom large, and so do  2023 champion Newtown Pride, but McAfee’s crew brings NFL-level theatrics.

Showing his delight at his team’s return, McAfee shared an IG post, highlighting his incredible assist against Chad Ochocinco’s team last year. Pure playground energy. This year, they’ve added firepower: former MLS striker Zach Reget and ex-England defender Zat Knight. Why does this matter?

Because Pat McAfee’s blend of showmanship and grit taps into something raw—the same itch scratched by backyard football or pickup basketball. It’s unscripted, unfiltered, and loud. As TST CEO Jon Mugar put it, “TST soccer is electrifying. Our goal is to become the preeminent soccer festival in the world. Judging by the number of returning fans and teams, we are well on our way.” Meanwhile, McAfee has another ace up his sleeve for the tournament.

Pat McAfee is also bringing The Pat McAfee Show to The Soccer Tournament on June 4 and 5. The show will broadcast live during its usual time slot—airing from noon to 2:00 p.m. on ESPN, and from noon to 3:00 p.m. on the show’s YouTube channel. For McAfee the move isn’t just about soccer. It’s a masterclass in branding.

The McAfee effect: more than just a media play

While legends like Sergio Agüero and Nani join the fray, CONCAFA SC steals headlines. Why? Because McAfee’s team feels like your buddy’s rec league squad—if your buddy had 2 million Twitter followers. Their 2024 Cinderella story, fueled by comebacks and Cameron’s knee “sacrifice,” resonates with every guy who’s ever duct-taped their sneakers for one more game. This year’s wildcard?

The women’s division. Ex-USWNT icons Hope Solo and Heather O’Reilly headline a $1 million bracket of their own. But make no mistake: McAfee’s antics—whether trash-talking opponents or rallying fans—are the main event. So, mark your calendars like it’s Super Bowl Sunday.

Group stage kicks off June 4–5, with knockout rounds boiling down to a June 9 finale. Every game’s a sprint: 20-minute halves, no ties, and Target Score Time drama. Catch it on ESPN+ or TST’s YouTube channel—because let’s face it, you’re already skipping mowing the lawn for this.

For Pat McAfee, the journey’s a rocket ride from NFL punter to cult soccer hero. So, can the man who reinvented retirement turn CONCAFA SC into millionaires? Or will the Beautiful Game humble even its loudest apostle? Grab a cold one and tune in—the answer’s coming faster than a corner kick.