Pat McAfee donates $100,000 for disaster recovery efforts

Pat McAfee may be best known for his high-octane sports talk on “The Pat McAfee Show” or for infusing ESPN’s College GameDay set with an energy that ignites crowds of fans who pack campuses for the biggest games, but his passion for helping people in need may be lesser known.

The NFL veteran who punted his way into two Pro Bowls before becoming one of the biggest personalities in sports broadcasting is now kick-starting The Fuller Center’s much-needed disaster recovery efforts with a $100,000 donation.

The gift came as a welcome surprise to Fuller Center President David Snell, who said that the Disaster ReBuilders already have established a base just outside of Asheville, N.C., where they expect to be hosting volunteers for many months to come following the devastation caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene.

“When a famous athlete or personality comes to us because their hearts have been touched and they simply want to help without seeking any recognition, that’s inspiring,” Snell said. “At our request, he allowed us to make his gift public in our hopes that it will spur his many fans and others who care about impacted families to follow in his generous footsteps.”

McAfee — whose live show airs weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. ET on YouTube, as well as on such platforms as ESPN+ and Hulu — said that he heard about The Fuller Center’s work through a certain college football coaching legend’s wife.

“She said you all do great work,” McAfee wrote in an email Tuesday. “THANK YOU for helping folks whenever they need it most. We are honored to help.”