INDIANAPOLIS — Pat McAfee, whose massive influence after leaving his 8-season punting career with the Indianapolis Colts has grown to a show on ESPN with nearly 3 million subscribers on YouTube, a spot as host of “College GameDay” and an ever-rising dominance in WWE, is stepping into the musical spotlight.
McAfee will release his debut album, “The Diary of a Polarizing Figure,” Aug. 14, he announced on “The Pat McAfee Show” Wednesday.
In a post on Instagram, McAfee hinted at the biopic nature of the 12-song album, though the genre of the music is unknown.
“For as long as I can remember, my mere existence has made people hate my guts … literally since elementary school. Teachers, administrators, other parents, you name it …,” McAfee wrote. “I didn’t understand it as a child but, throughout my life, I’ve come to realize that this is just how it’s gonna be.”
McAfee went on to say that he’s been writing songs about everything he’s been through in his life, how those things affected him, and how people viewed him for 20 years.
“It’s time to let them aht …(out). There’s A LOT of headlines & narratives about me,” McAfee posted. “If I was to die, I’d like my kids to know exactly who and what their dad is.”
McAfee produced “The Diary of a Polarizing Figure” in Nashville alongside country music star @ernest, who has worked with many well-known artists, including Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Snoop Dogg, Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley and Thomas Rhett.
McAfee gave a nod to his musical team in the post: “With incredible assistance from (ERNEST) and many other INSANELY talented musicians in Nashville, my words have come to life.
“I’m very proud of what we’ve put together.”
One of the 12 songs on the album is McAfee’s debut single “Dookie,” released in December, “an explicit anthem celebrating (McAfee’s) successful career and referring to his critics and haters as “dookie,” writes Jacob Camenker, an NFL Trending Reporter with USA TODAY Sports.
“Diary of a Polarizing Figure” can be streamed on major music services Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube Music once it’s released Aug. 14.
Follow IndyStar sports reporter Dana Benbow on X: @DanaBenbow. Reach her via email: dbenbow@indystar.com.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Pat McAfee’s debut album reveals his life as ‘polarizing figure:’ ‘People hate my guts’
Reporting by Dana Hunsinger Benbow, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Dana Hunsinger Benbow, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
