Saturday, October 3, 2026

Here’s How Many People Streamed Pat McAfee’s Debut Single ‘Dookie’

McAfee’s debut single posted strong first-week streaming and social engagement, underscoring the size and loyalty of his audience.

Canton Repository

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Pat McAfee did it all for the Dookie. 

McAfee, the indefatigable ESPN talker who was once an All-Pro punter for the Colts, released his debut single, “Dookie,” last Thursday at midnight.

How many people listened? Quite a few, all things considered.

The song had more than 153,000 streams on Spotify in its first week, and there have been 84,000 views so far on YouTube. His post on Twitter/X announcing the new song has had 1.7 million impressions. On Instagram, the view count is not public, but there were more than 25,000 likes. The song is also available on Apple Music. 

The song tracks with the persona McAfee has established in his media career, approaching his jobs almost as a professional wrestler—he is also a WWE color commentator outside of football season, and has competed in a couple matches over the years, more than holding his own in the ring—as he fights back against “suits” who try to meddle with his content while fostering a fervently loyal fan base. (The top bosses at ESPN, Jimmy Pitaro and Burke Magnus, have been in McAfee’s corner.) 

Earlier this year, ESPN announced that The Pat McAfee Show drew more than 1 billion views across social media platforms just in the month of September. This season, College GameDay, where McAfee stars alongside Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Nick Saban, and Desmond Howard, saw record viewership. It averaged 2.7 million viewers per week, up 22% from last year.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 12, 2026; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin reacts to an intercept by Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Oxford Bulking Up Police Presence for Lane Kiffin’s Return

Ole Miss coach Pete Golden asked fans to be rowdy but respectful.

Robert Kraft Confirms He Blocked Macklemore From Gillette Shows

The rapper’s performances in New Jersey featured pro-Palestinian messaging.

Stephen A. Smith: McAfee Has a ‘Different Set of Rules’ at ESPN

Smith signed a nine-figure contract with ESPN last year.
Sep 11, 2026; Melbourne, AUS; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (5) makes a touchdown catch over Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jaylen Watson (35) in the second half at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Netflix’s Australia Game Ties YouTube’s NFL Numbers From Brazil

The subscription streaming service posted an increase in global viewership.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with Randy Levine on the Yankees’ $2.6B Apollo Deal and the Protect College Sports Act

0:00

Featured Today

Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
September 4, 2026

Wild Transfer Window Shows How Premier League Towers Over Soccer

Spending in England vastly outstripped the rest of Europe.
September 3, 2026

Teams Are Spending Millions to Build Luxury Locker Rooms

It’s a recruiting pitch, a retention tool, and a seven-figure line item.
September 1, 2026

High School Football Sidelines Are Clogged With Content Creators

Administrators call these amateur newcomers the “pajama paparazzi.”
Oct 1, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Former Houston Texans JJ Watt speaks to the fans during his Ring Of Honor Ceremony at halftime during the game between the Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Opinion

J.J. Watt Wasn’t Better Than Tony Romo—but He Was Good Enough

Watt will remain with CBS’s top team for at least two more weeks.
Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) speaks during a committee event with the Artemis II crew members on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 12, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
September 12, 2026

ESPN Faces Criticism for Giving Ted Cruz ‘GameDay’ Air Time

No opponents of the Protect College Sports Act have been interviewed on “GameDay.”
Aug 8, 2026; Canton, OH, USA; Chris Berman moderates the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Exclusive
September 14, 2026

How ESPN Will Use Chris Berman in Its Super Bowl Coverage

Berman has covered 44 straight Super Bowls and watched all 60.
Sponsored

Drew Weatherford’s Bet on the Youth Sports Economy

Drew Weatherford discusses investing across the youth, college and professional levels.
September 12, 2026

Revamped McAfee Kicking Contest Pays First Winner $1.2M

The contest has entered its fourth season on College GameDay.
The Herd
Exclusive
September 12, 2026

Colin Cowherd Buys Stake in EPL’s Ipswich

Other Ipswich investors include Marques Colston and Ed Sheeran.
KirkHerbstreit
September 11, 2026

Kirk Herbstreit Embraces College Football’s Influencer Era

“It’s a world of content,” the College GameDay host told FOS.
Jul 15, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) before the game against the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
September 10, 2026

Sophie Cunningham Drops Cohost West Wilson, Launches New Podcast

‘Show Me Something’ went dark in June.