“First Take” met with an awkward Wednesday when Molly Kerrim suggested that recently retired NFL star and coveted media free agent JJ Watt would co-host Pat McAfee. .
“Besides being a new father, I have a lot of exciting new projects to come: I will be the new co-host of The Pat McAfee Show,” said Qerim.
Chris “Mad Dog” Russo once hosted McAfee as the lead-in of his show on the SiriusXM channel and was blown away by the “wow!”
Stephen A. Smith also replied, “Wow!” And clap for Watt.
But Watt was confused.
“Me?” Watt asked in a confused tone.
Kerim replied, “That’s what I was told.”
“That would be great, [but] No,” Watt replied.
Watt looked at the camera and said, “Did you send me a contract that I don’t know about? This is great for television.”
Qerim admitted that this was an “awkward moment” but asked Watt if he could make it happen.
“There are numbers that can make that happen. I’m open to discussion,” Watt replied. “But no, Pat is a great friend. He’s been great to me for a long time.”
ESPN told The Post that a month-old clip of “The Pat McAfee Show” was misunderstood, causing an error that caused confusion and amusement.
Watt is represented by CAA, and it remains to be seen what type of sports media role would be the right content and financial fit for him.
From the outside, one network that makes sense for Watt is NBC.
NBC needed to build a talent lineup for Big Ten football rights starting this fall, and Watt starred in Wisconsin.
With NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” having the highest ratings for 12 years in a row, he could also contribute to NFL coverage.
It’s an interesting question whether Watts wants a traditional studio role, or something more original.
Recently asked by Kevin Clark of The Ringer Talking about what he wants to do in his post-playing career, Watt is deadpan, saying, “NFL football, EPL football, Formula One, NWSL, Broadway, SNL, Hollywood, movies and spending a lot of time with my wife and son…a lot. stuff, a lot of money, a little work, a lot of family time.”
He expressed excitement about getting to see his brothers, linebacker TJ and fullback Derek, play live this fall.
“I also want to go to a cool college game,” he said. “I want to go to the big college game. Tailgating with the fans. I couldn’t do it. I just want to do what I always do. Park in the parking lot with the fans.” and play cornhole and drink beer…and eat kids.That’s what I like to do.”
