Months After Making the List Himself, Pat McAfee Hails Former Teammate’s Hall of Fame Finalist Nomination

Pat McAfee, the ex-Colts punter who transitioned to a broadcasting career, stands among the 129 modern-era nominees for the 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. McAfee has expressed his desire not to be voted into the prestigious hall despite the evident honor.

The Colts drafted McAfee in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft from West Virginia, and he played in all but one game during his eight-season tenure in Indianapolis. His contributions earned him two Pro Bowl selections in 2014 and 2016. On his recent post on platform X, formerly Twitter, Macfee voiced his appreciation for another fellow athlete who has made it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist for the class of 2024.

McAfee Former Indianapolis Colts teammate 

Two more Colts legends, wide receiver Reggie Wayne and defensive end Dwight Freeney have been named finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Modern Era Class of 2024. Wayne is a finalist for the fifth consecutive year, while Freeney is in his second year of eligibility and his second time as a finalist. Ari Meirov initially dropped an update on platform X stating, “Former Indianapolis Colts WR Reggie Wayne has been named a Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist for the class of 2024.” Pat McAfee soon re-posted the same, adding his own take, “LET’S GOOOOO,” which showcased his appreciation and support for his fellow teammate. 

The Colts drafted Reggie Wayne as the 30th overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft. Teaming up with Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison, they formed a formidable offensive trio. Wayne spent his entire 14-year career with the Colts, amassing 1,070 receptions, 14,345 receiving yards (tenth all-time), and 82 touchdowns.

Notably, he played a key role in the Colts’ Super Bowl XLI victory, scoring their only receiving touchdown. Wayne, a six-time Pro Bowler and 2010 First-Team All-Pro is also seventh in postseason receiving yards and tenth in postseason receiving touchdowns. Pat McAfee, a former Colts punter had an illustrious career as well, however, denied to be voted for the 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.

Pat McAfee refuses to be voted for the 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame 

At 35, Pat McAfee surprisingly retired after the 2016 season, entering the media world with notable success. Hosting a popular national radio show and co-hosting ESPN’s ‘College GameDay,’ McAfee recently learned of his nomination for the Hall of Fame during his radio show. Grateful but humble, he urged against his own induction, citing his relatively short playing career. 

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“Don’t vote me in, but this is cool to even be acknowledged,” McAfee said, before going on to explain that he did not “play long enough” or “did not have a big enough contribution to the game” to be voted into the Hall of Fame. McAfee advocated for Shane Lechler’s consideration, emphasizing Lechler’s 17-season NFL tenure. Notably, Ray Guy remains the sole punter in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The nominee list will be narrowed to 25 in November, with 15 finalists announced in January.

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