As the importance of celebrity and ultra-wealthy benefactors grows in college sports, West Virginia is trying to make its mark nationally with the backing of one of the most famous faces in sports media.
Pat McAfee, who kicked and punted for the Mountaineers from 2005 to 2008, has made supporting his alma mater a top priority as his star power has grown since retiring from the NFL a decade ago.
“It’s been huge,” West Virginia athletic director Wren Baker told Front Office Sports. “No one has developed a market share in terms of sports media that’s any greater than Pat’s. He’s an unapologetic champion for WVU.”
McAfee donated $1 million to WVU’s NIL collective, Country Roads Trust, in 2024. Last year, he said on ESPN’s College GameDay that he covered for a donor who was backing out of their monetary commitments.
“He certainly has been generous with his finances, but probably the more impactful thing is just the way that he loves his alma mater, and is the First Cheerleader,” Baker said. “Whether it’s going to school here, playing here, being immersed in the culture here, he genuinely loves it, and is excited about it.”
