Renowned ESPN figure Pat McAfee has long positioned himself as a master of self-promotion, and he was prominently in the spotlight this week beside U.S. President Donald Trump at the 2026 Patriot Games.
McAfee sat beside Trump during the Patriot Games, which were streamed live on the ESPN app, as high school competitors vied for a $250,000 scholarship fund to help pay for college.
The sight of McAfee next to the polarizing president sparked predictable online backlash, with one X user suggesting this proved McAfee uses the N-word behind the backs of his ESPN colleagues.
McAfee did not let the N-word accusation go unaddressed, opting to respond to the commenter on his X account, which boasts about 3.3 million followers.
“This is grotesque… and potentially lawsuit worthy..,” McAfee wrote, “we’ll have the lawyers look into that next week after The Diary Of A Polarizing Figure drops FRIDAY.”
McAfee is known for occasionally poking at people online, so it remains to be seen whether this was one of those moments. Regardless, the sports personality did not miss the chance to promote his new venture into the music industry.
McAfee had previously announced his album in a tweet dated July 22.
“For as long as I can remember my mere existence has made people hate my guts… literally since elementary school,” McAfee wrote. “Teachers, administrators, other parents, you name it… I didn’t understand it as a child but as I’ve grown I’ve come to realize that this is just how it’s going to be.”
“I’ve been writing songs about it for 20 years. It’s time to let them hear it..,” McAfee added. “There are A LOT of headlines & narratives about me.. if I were to die, I’d like my kids to know exactly who and what their dad is.”
“The Diary Of A Polarizing Figure. With incredible help from @ernest and many other INSANELY talented musicians in Nashville, my words have come to life. I’m very proud of what we’ve put together.”
As for the Patriot Games, which took place at Spire Academy in Geneva, Ohio, the event was developed by the Trump administration and the “Freedom 250” group. The games are part of a series of events designed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The competition was said to feature 120 students from across the states, territories and tribal nations of the U.S., aged 14-17, who competed in activities such as a presidential fitness-style test, a boot camp circuit with a military feel, an obstacle course, and team events including kickball, dodgeball, tug-of-war, and “Victory Hoops.”
Although the three-day event was streamed live on the ESPN app, ABC planned to air a one-hour special of the competition on Thursday, Aug. 13, at 9 p.m. ET.
Rockwell Myers and Kennadi Fuhrman were named Patriot Games winners, each receiving $125,000 in scholarship funds, according to an ESPN post on Facebook.
“Had a BLAST celebrating high schoolers from across the country with the Heads of Disney, ABC, ESPN, and… The United States Of America,” McAfee wrote in a post that included a selfie with Trump after the Patriot Games.
“I’m proud of everyone involved for backing this important effort to keep future generations excited about staying active. Here’s to the exceptional contestants and to next year’s Patriot Games.”
