Watt Not Co-Hosting McAfee Show Despite First Take Announcement

In an awkward exchange on ESPN Wednesday, the recently retired defensive end refuted the announcement that he was joining ‘The Pat McAfee Show.’

Recently-retired NFL defensive end J.J. Watt is looking for a new hobby with his newly-acquired free time.

Watt mentioned to Sports Illustrated‘s Robin Lundberg that he’s considering starting a podcast with his brother T.J. Watt in addition to the copious amounts of golf that he said he plans to play.

One thing Watt will not be doing, however, is joining The Pat McAfee Show as a co-host. In an awkward moment on ESPN’s First Take on Wednesday, Watt refuted the announcement made by host Molly Qerim that he would be joining McAfee’s hit weekday show.

“Alright, well you have a lot of exciting new projects in beyond being a new dad,” Qerim began. “You’ll be the new co-host of ‘The Pat McAfee Show’.”

“Wow!” Stephen A. Smith and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo said clapping.

Watt couldn’t have been more confused.

“I am?” Watt replied.

“That’s what I was told,” Qerim said.

“That would be great, but no,” Watt said as the whole set laughed awkwardly.

Watt then turned to the camera and made the most of the on-air gaffe.

“Hey Pat, did you send me a contract that I’m unaware of? This is great for television,” Watt said laughing.

“Well this is an awkward moment!” Qerim quipped.

“We can negotiate…there’s a number to make that happen, I’m open to discussions,” Watt said. “But no, Pat’s a great friend and he’s been awesome to me for a long time so…”

“OK, so that hasn’t happened?” Qerim said as she tried to confirm the fake news.

“No, it hasn’t,” Watt said.

There’s no indication as to why this was announced, as there’s no inkling that Watt is nearing a deal to become a co-host of the show. McAfee has been doing the show with co-host A.J. Hawk, and the duo has great chemistry. Watt filled in one time for Hawk, but it doesn’t sound like he’ll be joining as a full-time co-host anytime soon.