You probably know Pat McAfee as the tank-top-wearing, high-energy human megaphone who basically revolutionized sports media. He's the guy who retired from the NFL at his peak, built a massive podcast empire, and now dominates ESPN and WWE. But if you’ve ever watched a clip of him being surprisingly soft-hearted or seen him get choked up talking about home, there’s a reason for that.
So, who is Pat McAfee married to?
The woman holding it all together behind the scenes is Samantha McAfee (formerly Samantha Ludy). They aren’t just some flash-in-the-pan celebrity couple; they've been together since Pat was still punting for the Indianapolis Colts. While Pat is loud and polarizing, Samantha is often the grounding force, the one running non-profits and navigating the heavy stuff that doesn’t always make it into the daily "DAHN" segments of the show.
The Waterfall Proposal That Almost Didn't Happen
Pat and Samantha’s story didn't start in a Hollywood studio. It started in Indiana, where Pat spent his entire NFL career. They dated for years—dating back to at least 2016—before Pat decided to go all out for the engagement.
In February 2019, Pat took Samantha on a trip to Hawaii. He’s a guy who does everything at 100 miles per hour, so naturally, a simple dinner wouldn't do. He flew her in a helicopter to the base of a massive waterfall. He later admitted on Instagram that he’d thought through about 15 different ways his life could go, and every single one of them had her in it.
The Wedding (and the Shorts)
They officially tied the knot on August 1, 2020.
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If you know Pat, the wedding attire shouldn't surprise you. They got married at Coxhall Gardens in Carmel, Indiana. It was a beautiful, picturesque ceremony, but Pat stayed true to himself: he wore a tuxedo jacket on top and black dress shorts on the bottom. It was peak "For The Brand."
The wedding was originally supposed to be in Hawaii, but like most things in 2020, the pandemic forced a change of plans. They kept it local to Indiana, surrounded by family and their dogs.
Who is Samantha McAfee?
Samantha isn't just "the wife." She’s a powerhouse in her own right, particularly in the world of animal advocacy. She grew up in Greenwood, Indiana, and graduated from the University of Southern Indiana. Honestly, her passion for animals is what defines a lot of her public-facing work.
- Animal Advocacy: She has a grooming license and spent years volunteering at shelters.
- Fur The Brand: This is her non-profit organization. It’s a play on Pat’s "For The Brand" slogan, but it serves a serious purpose. The foundation provides financial assistance to pet owners whose dogs are facing canine cancer.
- The Inspiration: The foundation was inspired by their own dog, Valerie, a pit bull-shar pei mix who battled cancer.
She's also been incredibly transparent about her struggles with anxiety. In a world where social media is a highlight reel, Samantha has used her platform to talk about mental health, which is a big reason why the "McAfee Mafia" (Pat's fanbase) respects her so much.
The Heartbreaking Journey to Parenthood
For a long time, Pat and Samantha were "dog parents" to Chuck and Valerie. But their path to having a human child was incredibly difficult. This is where the story gets heavy.
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Samantha has been open about the fact that they struggled with infertility for years. She suffered through two ectopic pregnancies and nearly lost her life due to internal bleeding. It resulted in the loss of both of her Fallopian tubes, meaning they couldn't conceive naturally.
They turned to In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Mackenzie Lynn McAfee
After more than 150 shots, surgeries, and what Samantha described as "countless blood tests," they finally welcomed their daughter, Mackenzie Lynn McAfee, on May 4, 2023. Pat often calls her his "perfect angel baby." If you follow them on social media, you’ve likely seen the videos of the "bombastic" ESPN host completely melting while dancing with his toddler.
Expanding the Family in 2026
The McAfee family is currently in a "growing" phase. In December 2025, the couple shared some massive news: they are expecting their second child.
This time, it’s a boy.
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The journey to this second pregnancy was just as grueling as the first. Samantha described the process as being "filled with needles, hormones, and more emotion than two hearts could hold." But the miracle happened again. Their son is expected to arrive in June 2026.
How They Balance the Chaos
How does a guy who works seven days a week, travels for College GameDay, and runs a daily three-hour show keep a marriage together?
Samantha recently posted a tribute for Pat's 38th birthday, and she didn't sugarcoat it. She mentioned that he gets almost no sleep and still deals with "everyday life issues" without anyone knowing. It’s a dynamic where she handles the "real world" so he can be the "energy" for millions of viewers.
They are a classic "opposites attract" scenario. He’s the volume; she’s the depth.
Why It Works
- Shared Roots: They are deeply tied to the Indianapolis area. Despite Pat's global fame, they've kept their home base in Indiana.
- Shared Causes: Both are huge advocates for mental health and animal welfare.
- Transparency: By being honest about their IVF journey and loss, they’ve built a community that roots for them as a couple, not just as celebrities.
What’s Next for the McAfees?
As we move through 2026, the focus for the couple is clearly on the upcoming arrival of their son this summer. Pat continues to be the face of modern sports broadcasting, but as he often says on his show, everything he does is for his family.
If you're looking to support their work beyond the screen, checking out Fur The Brand is the best way to see what Samantha is passionate about. It’s one of those rare instances where a celebrity-adjacent non-profit is doing real, boots-on-the-ground work for people who can't afford life-saving vet bills.
What you should do next:
If you want to stay updated on the family’s journey, Samantha is the one to follow on Instagram (@mrsmcafeeshow). She provides the "behind-the-curtain" look at the man who is usually busy shouting about "DAHN" on your TV. You can also visit the Fur The Brand website to see how they're helping pet owners navigate canine cancer.