Pat McAfee promises big surprises during his special show from Pittsburgh on Wednesday night.
Could that surprise be none other than Aaron Rodgers?
McAfee has not announced Rodgers for the show and noted on former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s podcast that the former Green Bay Packers quarterback is “not on the docket.”
But that hasn’t stopped the rumors and speculation. Rodgers hasn’t said much in recent months about his future but there have been signs pointing toward him continuing his NFL career. And it appears the Steelers are the team that could be a match.
And if he were to have some reveal, whether it happens tonight or not, it would make sense for Rodgers to make an announcement on McAfee’s show.
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Two years ago, the former Packers quarterback announced on McAfee’s show his intention to play for the New York Jets after 18 years in Green Bay and, a month later, he was eventually traded.
Now, McAfee is taking his show on the road for what he’s calling an evening that folks “will be talking about forever.”
Here’s what we know:
What time does the Pat McAfee show start? Big Night AHT today
McAfee’s special primetime show Wednesday was scheduled to start at 7 p.m. CT from Pittsburgh but the event has been delayed until 7:30 p.m.
The show is called “Big Night AHT.”
Where is Pat McAfee’s show tonight?
McAfee’s show will take place at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. The former NFL punter grew up in the Pittsburgh area.
Where to watch Pat McAfee show? Live stream
Viewers can watch McAfee’s “Big Night AHT” show on a variety of platforms, including his YouTube page, through TikTok Live and via streaming on X.
“It’s going to be a magical evening,” McAfee said earlier this week on his show.
“Big surprises, big singalongs, big laughs and massive giveaways,” McAfee said.
McAfee compared it to what someone would see at a variety show, where he brings people together from different worlds. Expect musicians and big-name comedians.
“I’m trying to create an evening where we give back to the people give back to the city where I’m from, give people an experience they may never experience before,” McAfee said on Roethlisberge’s podcast.
He added that “Wednesday night is going to be an electrifying evening.”
Is that “electrifying” word a hint for a different guest and one that doesn’t have anything to do with Rodgers? Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is known as the “most electrifying man in sports entertainment.” Could that be a clue to The Rock’s appearance? In addition to McAfee’s day job hosting his own sports talk show, he’s also a WWE announcer and has performed inside the ring.
It is WrestleMania season, after all.
McAfee said WWE is helping him produce the show.
Pat McAfee Show: Will Aaron Rodgers appear on Big Night AHT today?
McAfee tried to dispel the rumors of Rodgers appearing on his show Wednesday when he went on Roethlisberger’s podcast.
“Aaron Rodgers is not on the docket,” McAfee said. “So, I would like everybody to know that because I think the show has so many like real moments that are gonna be coming and I think there’s a chance people afterwards go, ‘Freaking didn’t see Rodgers out there. What?’ I have not talked to Aaron Rodgers.”
Rodgers has been a guest on McAfee’s show during the NFL season for the last several years.
Is Aaron Rodgers going to the Steelers?
Rodgers is a free agent after playing the last two years for the New York Jets. He was released last month but has yet to sign with a team.
While other teams signed quarterbacks in free agency, the Steelers departed with their top two QBs from last year in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
That has appeared to keep the door open for a potential Rodgers signing.
Rodgers recently participated in a throwing session at UCLA with new Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, further fueling speculation.
And he hasn’t hidden his admiration for longtime Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, who addressed Rodgers at the league meeting’s last month.
Is Aaron Rodgers retiring?
Will Rodgers even play another season?
Rodgers hasn’t committed to another NFL season and has pondered retirement in recent years, including when he was with the Packers in his later years. But retirement appears unlikely, based on the throwing session with Metcalf.
If Rodgers, who turned 41 years old in December, plays in 2025, it’ll be his 21st NFL season.