NFL legend and WWE commentator Pat McAfee recently said that he doesn't believe that a return to WWE is in the cards right now. McAfee had stepped away from Raw commentary last summer due to burnout. He and his wife are also expecting their second child in June 2026.
McAfee gave an update on his WWE status during an Instagram Q&A on Sunday night, saying that he is not ruling out a comeback in the future but feels it's unlikely at the moment.
Will I be returning to the WWE in the future? I don’t think you ever say never, you know, especially with the WWE. But right now, it does not feel like it is something that’s supposed to happen," McAfee said.
The NFL legend further said that the company seems to be doing well without him, and he will continue to watch the product as a fan.
It feels like that business has kind of passed me by a little bit. I grew up loving it, dreamed to work in it, feel honored that I had the opportunity to work alongside the GOAT Michael Cole. But I feel like WWE is in a good spot without me, and I’ll continue to watch.
McAfee's Other Projects
Outside WWE, Pat McAfee is also a host of a daily show on ESPN and appears on College GameDay during football season. McAfee is also pursuing acting and he will be seen in a four-episode arc in the Sylvester Stallone series 'Tulsa King.'
McAfee did make an appearance at WWE Wrestlepalooza last September when he joined Michael Cole and Wade Barrett on commentary. His most recent match took place in May last year, with McAfee losing to Gunther at Backlash.
Given McAfee’s strong relationship with the company and his close ties with Michael Cole on commentary, a comeback somewhere down the line can’t be ruled out. WWE has a long history of surprise appearances, and McAfee himself has delivered memorable moments both behind the desk and inside the ring.
Fans also know that anything is possible when it comes to WWE. Even if McAfee stays away for a while, you never truly know when he might pop back up, perhaps even with a surprise appearance at WrestleMania 42.
