In the heart of West Virginia, a football legend might just have what it takes to lead beyond the field. A wild endorsement has come from an unexpected place, shaking up the mix of sports and politics in the most West Virginia way possible.

On The New Heights Show, Pat McAfee himself—former WVU kicker—put the spotlight on Owen Schmitt, his old teammate. And flat-out said Schmitt should be governor. It all kicked off when Travis Kelce asked McAfee, “Who’s the bigger legend in West Virginia? You or Owen Schmitt?” McAfee didn’t even blink: “Owen Schmitt, dude. That guy could be governor anytime he wanted.” Jason Kelce dropped in with a little nugget: “He’s a truck driver now. He works for UPS.”

McAfee took it a step further, telling a story about how Schmitt drove hours just to show up for a WVU game. “As soon as Owen gets in front of that crowd, they pay their respects, man,” McAfee said. The guy’s not just a name—they know him, they love him. Schmitt’s even got the nickname “Runaway Beer,” which McAfee straight-up called “the most perfect nickname ever given to anybody in history.”

McAfee’s not just talking. He and Schmitt go way back to their WVU days, and there’s real respect there. The whole thing feels less like some political move and more like, “This dude’s got what it takes, period.” Schmitt’s work ethic, his connection to the state—it’s all still there. You can tell McAfee believes Schmitt could step into that role without skipping a beat.

The McAfee and Schmitt crew runs deep

This McAfee-Schmitt bromance runs deeper than some quick soundbite. WVU football has a way of keeping its alumni tight, and these guys are the perfect example. Schmitt was on The Pat McAfee Show in August 2024, alongside former QB Pat White, where they just clicked right back into the old days. The show is like a revolving door for WVU legends—McAfee keeps the Mountaineer spirit alive.

McAfee isn’t just some sports guy who made it big. Sure, his $85 million deal with ESPN in 2023 is impressive, but the dude is still all about WVU. He’s like this unfiltered bridge between the past and present of Mountaineer football, and Schmitt fits into that picture perfectly.

Earlier in 2024, Schmitt and White were guest coaches for the Gold-Blue Spring Game at WVU. And McAfee? He was hosting WVU’s Gong Show at the end of training camp like it was old times. Schmitt hit the nail on the head when he said, “That’s what makes him unique.” McAfee’s real! And that’s what connects people like them.

The WVU football family is the breathing essence of what it means to be a Mountaineer. And that’s why McAfee’s endorsing Schmitt doesn’t seem to be a joke. It feels like a guy saying, “This is one of us. He’s got this.”

McAfee saying Schmitt should be governor might sound wild at first, but it’s not just talk. These guys are Mountaineers to the core, and Schmitt stepping into politics would feel like a natural extension of the leadership and loyalty they both live by. Whether Schmitt actually runs or not. That’s a whole other story. But in West Virginia, he’s already won over the people.