Pat McAfee has addressed reports that he was advised to wear a bulletproof vest last year, a suggestion that arose in the context of heightened security concerns following the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the subsequent torrent of social media threats he has received.
In a social media post, McAfee clarified that the idea of wearing protective gear came from "one of the security groups" rather than directly from the FBI. He explained that the concern stemmed from the possibility of a "copycat incident" occurring shortly after Kirk's killing on September 10, 2025, with McAfee's ESPN show "College GameDay" being a prominent upcoming event.
"Everybody in the 'security' world was worried of a copycat incident potentially happening," McAfee wrote. "'GameDay' was a few days out and we were the next huge gathering on a campus. The world, in front of the entire internet, just proved that we had gotten to a rather extreme place."
McAfee detailed the extensive security presence during the event, including FBI snipers, state police, and university police, all working to ensure safety. He described the situation as "surreal" and acknowledged that discussions about the death threats he had been receiving were a significant part of the security planning. He emphasized his appreciation for the security personnel and the students who attended the event.
Accompanying his statement, McAfee shared screenshots of disturbing messages he has received on social media, including direct threats of violence and homophobic slurs. He noted that he has largely avoided his direct messages and mentions due to the nature of the harassment.
This situation follows a recent on-air incident where McAfee expressed frustration with a video posted by the University of Utah that appeared to mock him. He felt the video, published after a critical New York Times article, contributed to a hostile online environment. The University of Utah has since issued an apology for the video.
McAfee concluded his statement by reflecting on the unexpected trajectory of his public life, acknowledging that he is not perfect but is striving to navigate his career and the associated challenges with integrity. He expressed gratitude for his opportunities in sports media while admitting that his current reality is far different from what he could have ever anticipated.