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“I’m Out”: Pat McAfee Turned Down an NFL Return Years After Retirement Over Controversial Reason

Pat McAfee had a perfect chance to win the Super Bowl with the Buccaneers when former head coach Bruce Arians wanted him back for the 2020 season. But one condition stopped him from returning to the field. “You know, we…

By Papiya Chatterjee · Essentially Sports

Published: Thursday, 8 October 2026 at 2:31 AM

Key Things to Know

Pat McAfee turned down a 2020 return to the NFL after learning he would need to pass a drug test.
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians contacted McAfee as a potential emergency COVID-19 replacement.
Tampa Bay went on to win the Super Bowl that season after resolving their specialist depth issues.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former NFL punter Pat McAfee declined a potential return with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2020 season due to mandatory drug testing. Former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians reached out to McAfee to serve as an emergency replacement when specialists were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Arians revealed on the Not Just Football podcast that McAfee immediately pulled out after learning he would have to pass a drug test.

The Buccaneers eventually resolved their special teams issues before Week 15 without needing McAfee, going on to win the Super Bowl that season. McAfee previously played for the Indianapolis Colts under Arians in 2012 before retiring in 2016. Since retirement, McAfee has transitioned into a prominent media figure, hosting his own show and contributing to ESPN programming.

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