Pat McAfee generated plenty of conversation during ESPN’s “College GameDay” trip to Iowa over the weekend, and not all of it was positive. Now, the ESPN personality has made an announcement that should draw attention for an entirely different reason.
McAfee announced Monday that he and his show will donate $1 million to the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
“We will donate one million dollars to the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital,” McAfee said Monday on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “We would like to thank that hospital for everything that they do.”
The announcement comes two days after “College GameDay” made its long-awaited return to Iowa City ahead of Iowa’s matchup with Ohio State.
Pat McAfee Makes Major Donation After Iowa Visit
McAfee’s weekend in Iowa became one of the most talked-about parts of Saturday’s show. During the final picks segment, McAfee removed his shirt before picking Ohio State to defeat Iowa, even leading an “O-H-I-O” chant in front of the Hawkeyes crowd.
The stunt drew a divided response on social media. Some fans enjoyed McAfee’s usual high-energy approach, while others criticized his behavior and questioned whether the antics had become too much.
Monday’s announcement, however, shifts the conversation toward one of the most meaningful parts of Iowa football.
The Stead Family Children’s Hospital sits directly across from Kinnick Stadium and is at the center of the famous “Hawkeye Wave.” At the end of the first quarter of Iowa home games, players, coaches and fans turn toward the hospital and wave to the children and families watching from its windows.
ESPN also featured the tradition as part of its coverage surrounding Saturday’s “College GameDay.”
McAfee’s donation continues what was already a lucrative weekend for the hospital.
Jumping In On The Event
Former Iowa and NFL tight end Dallas Clark participated in McAfee’s kicking segment Saturday and helped generate $150,000 for the children’s hospital, while the participating Iowa student also received $150,000.
McAfee has made giving away money a significant component of his “College GameDay” appearances. ESPN said before Saturday’s show that his “Kicking is Easy” contest had awarded more than $9.5 million through prizes and charitable donations.
After a weekend in which McAfee’s behavior produced plenty of debate, his latest announcement gives Iowa fans something far more substantial to discuss.
