Pat McAfee steals the show during ESPN2’s Manning ‘Monday Night Football’ MegaCast
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The most entertaining part of “Monday Night Football” in Week 2 may not have come from the main ESPN broadcast.
Sure, it was fun to see Aaron Jones score four times and watch Aaron Rodgers rebound from a disappointing Week 1 effort, but what went on during ESPN2’s MegaCast hosted by Peyton and Eli Manning, and with one guest in particular, had everyone talking.
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The Mannings’ alternate telecast, which is already known for its robust guest list, welcomed Rob Gronkowski, Patrick Willis, Brett Favre and Pat McAfee in Week 2. The last of those four stole the show.
McAfee, a two-time Pro Bowler as a punter, was a teammate of Peyton Manning from 2009-11 in Indianapolis. He told myriad stories, including a few about Manning.
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Here are some of McAfee’s best moments during his time on the MegaCast:
The Roulette Story
McAfee retold a story about Manning being good luck for him and a whole host of casino patrons at a roulette table in French Lick, Ind. Manning encouraged McAfee to bet on red 18, which was Manning’s number in the NFL.
Long story short: It’s a good thing McAfee heeded Manning’s advice.
Peyton walked into the back area of that Casino like Stone Cold Steve Austin with the glass break.. he looks at me & goes how about that red 18
18 hits & the whole place goes BANANAS pic.twitter.com/R8WKBdfO5B
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 21, 2021
Manning the Mountaineer?
There’s a highly touted Manning quarterback getting ready to become a household name and be on TV every weekend.
Peyton and Eli’s nephew Arch is one of the top-rated quarterback recruits in the country at just 16.
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Though Arch hasn’t committed anywhere yet, Peyton had some fun at McAfee’s expense and said that Arch would be attending McAfee’s alma mater, West Virginia.
Peyton Manning has announced on MNF that Arch Manning committed to West Virginia last night ??
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) September 21, 2021
Peyton’s last 40-yard dash
Peyton Manning rushed for more than 100 yards in a season just three times during his 17-year career, so it made sense when he explained to McAfee that the last time he ran a 40-yard dash was in high school and under some favorable conditions.
Packers cover and hit the over
Continuing with the gambling motif, McAfee tried to be subtle during his appearance about needing the game to end a certain way.
The Mannings quickly caught on, as did everyone else, but it made for an entertaining end to an otherwise lopsided game. McAfee got the outcome he needed.