“First Take” had a moment of awkwardness on Wednesday when Molly Qerim suggested that recently retired NFL star and coveted media free agent J.J. Watt would become Pat McAfee’s co-host, which wasn’t a deal that he was aware of.
“You have a lot of exciting new projects, beyond being a new dad: You’ll be the new co-host of ‘The Pat McAfee Show,” Qerim said.
Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, whose SiriusXM channel once hosted McAfee as the lead-in to his own show, was impressed, saying, “Wow!”
Stephen A. Smith also responded, “Wow!” and clapped for Watt.
But Watt was confused.
“Am I?” Watt asked, in a perplexed tone.
Qerim answered, “That was what I was told.”
“That’d be great, [but] no,” Watt responded.
Smith started cracking up as Watt looked at the camera and said, “Did you send me a contract that I’m not aware of? This is great for television.”
Qerim admitted that this was an “awkward moment” but asked Watt if they could make it happen.
“There’s a number that could make that happen. I’m open to discussions,” Watt answered. “But no, Pat’s a great friend. He’s been awesome to me for a long time.”
ESPN told The Post a month-old clip from the “Pat McAfee Show” was misinterpreted, leading to the error and the ensuing confusion and fun.
Watt is represented by CAA, and it remains to be seen what type of sports media role would be a good content and financial fit for him.
From the outside, one network that could make sense for Watt is NBC.
NBC needs to build a talent lineup for Big Ten football rights, which begin this Fall, and Watt starred at Wisconsin.
He could also contribute to their NFL coverage, as NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” has been the top-rated show in 12 straight years.
Whether Watt would want a traditional studio role or to do something more outside-the-box is an interesting question.
Asked recently by The Ringer’s Kevin Clark about what he wants to do in his post-playing career, Watt deadpanned, “I would love a job where I have the opportunity to be involved in NFL football, EPL soccer, Formula One, NWSL, the theater of some sorts like Broadway or ‘SNL’, also Hollywood and movies and also spend tons of time with my wife and son … a lot of stuff, a lot of money, very little work, tons of family time.”
He expressed excitement that he will be able to watch his brothers, linebacker T.J. and fullback Derek, who are both on the Steelers, play live this fall.
“I’m also hopefully gonna go to some cool college game,” he said. “I’d love to go to the big college game, tailgate with the fans, I haven’t gotten to do that … I just want to do the regular — go park in the parking lot with the fans, play cornhole and drink beer and eat brats. That’s what I want to do.”