:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53054611/usa_today_9762001.0.jpg)
While most Colts fans were sleeping overnight, punter Pat McAfee announced his retirement from the NFL.
McAfee announced the news via a “press conference” on Comedy Central and via a heartfelt message on Twitter, and it’s a move that he said he’s been considering for a while. He’ll be joining Barstool Sports and having a studio in Indianapolis, so he’ll be sticking around - just not with the Colts.
It’s a shocking move, but McAfee seems committed to it and wants to pursue his passion. He enjoyed playing football, but he enjoys making people laugh and giving back even more. It’s not often that a guy gets to go out on top, as he’s the very best at his position in the game, but he’s walking away to continue his comedic career.
As news of McAfee’s retirement broke, Colts players took to Twitter to congratulate him and wish him the best.
Gonna miss the BOOMSTICK!! Hilarious, awesome dude. Great locker room guy had so much swag. Best of luck brother @PatMcAfeeShow!! https://t.co/PhSjPYZLzT
— Vontae Davis (@vontaedavis) February 2, 2017
Congrats on an amazing career! And good luck with next! Can't wait to laugh my ass off! @PatMcAfeeShow https://t.co/IX6hyqkODm
— Dwayne Allen (@Dallen83) February 2, 2017
@PatMcAfeeShow well i guess you weren't jiving then....Congrats on a great career and can't wait to see whats next! #FromTheMud #4thDwnArmy
— ROBERT MATHIS The1st (@RobertMathis98) February 2, 2017
Yooooooo @PatMcAfeeShow don't do me like that https://t.co/oHUferLq2b
— Charles James II (@CJDeuce_) February 2, 2017
One of the first people to greet me when I got to the place! Gonna miss ya my guy https://t.co/3W3wvbikHa
— Charles James II (@CJDeuce_) February 2, 2017
Congrats on retirement brotha! pic.twitter.com/Pw9DbKj2bf
— Colt Anderson (@AndersonColt) February 2, 2017
I LOVE YOU PAT
— Matty O (@MattOverton_LS) February 2, 2017
Locker room won't be the same without you @PatMcAfeeShow. @barstoolsports doesn't know what they got themselves into. Go kick ass my brother
— T.Y. McGill Jr. #99 (@__allcost) February 2, 2017
No way bra say it so @PatMcAfeeShow
— Erik Walden (@E_Ninety3) February 2, 2017
Pat was a terrific player and ambassador for us. He will be missed, and we wish him all the best!
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) February 2, 2017
— Matthias Farley (@MatthiasFarley) February 2, 2017
On Thanksgiving you played QB and threw the ball to a bball player lol I'll never forget this moment. Happy retirement @PatMcAfeeShow #colts pic.twitter.com/oEFIJESlK2
— Erik Swoope (@eswoope21) February 2, 2017
#ThankYouPat pic.twitter.com/hkFC200gwm
— Matty O (@MattOverton_LS) February 2, 2017
Salute to a stand up guy! Congrats on a great career! Genuine straight up and honest! @PatMcAfeeShow pic.twitter.com/Qe927vwJom
— Frankie Williams (@24takeover) February 2, 2017
Congrats on an amazing career Pat! I can't wait to see what you have in store for us! … https://t.co/e2DW0EIBBn
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) February 2, 2017
Best of luck to Pat McAfee in this next step as he pursues his new career, and congratulations on a heck of a career with the Colts!