Draymond Green Calls Pat McAfee a “GOAT” in Sports Media
Draymond Green, who plays for the Golden State Warriors, is always willing to credit others. Recently, he spoke about Pat McAfee’s meteoric rise in sports media, calling the former NFL punter a ‘GOAT’ in the industry.
Pat McAfee’s Trailblazing Success
In a conversation, Green emphasized McAfee’s exceptional achievements, particularly as a former athlete who has transitioned into the media industry.
“What Pat McAfee has done is special as a former athlete, but I think the most important thing is that he has built something that even non-athletes haven’t been able to do,” Green stated.
McAfee, first recognized for his colorful personality as an NFL punter, has become one of the most influential figures in sports media. His Pat McAfee Show has developed into a powerful force, bringing in top-tier guests and securing significant partnerships, such as his recent multi-million dollar deal with ESPN.
Respect from Fellow Athletes
Green acknowledged that McAfee’s success is creating a model for others to follow.
“He’s laid out a template for guys to follow,” Green said, admiring the former Indianapolis Colts player. “Much respect to Pat McAfee and what he’s doing. He’s becoming a GOAT in this space, and it’s beautiful to see. He’s blazing a trail for a lot of guys to follow, including myself.”
McAfee’s ability to combine humor, authenticity, and in-depth sports knowledge has resonated with both fans and professionals. By transitioning from the gridiron to the media world, he has influenced a new generation of athletes to pursue similar paths, demonstrating that success in sports is not limited to retirement.
McAfee’s Growing Influence
McAfee’s impact is not limited to sports talk. His growing media empire, exclusive interviews, and unique ability to engage audiences continue redefining the landscape of sports broadcasting. His bold and unfiltered style has earned him comparisons to legendary sports personalities, making him one of the media greats. Draymond Green pointed out that McAfee’s path is one many admire and aim to follow. His story is a testament to the power of reinvention and risk-taking to achieve greatness, whether in sports, media, or beyond.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
