The Pat McAfee Show 2.0 #1505 – Live from the NFL Combine: Daniel Jeremiah, Pete Schrager, Jack Hughes, Megan Keller, Matt Patricia

Date: February 27, 2026
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, NFL Combine "Lahd Hahse")

Episode Overview

Pat McAfee and his rotating cast (AJ Hawk, Toxic Table, Tone Digs) bring their unique brand of sports coverage live from the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. This episode is packed with laughter, analysis, special guests, and celebration of two historic American hockey gold medals. The show opens with reflections on the Combine’s legendary networking scene, then dives into the latest NFL draft storylines, inside NFL gossip, and a tribute to the feats of Team USA’s Jack Hughes and Megan Keller. In classic McAfee fashion, the episode is a seamless blend of serious insight and unfiltered fun.

Key Segments & Guests

• [00:00–03:33] Opening: Olympic Gold Medals & the NFL Combine Vibes
• [03:34–22:15] NFL Combine Recap: Notable Prospects & Insider Anecdotes
• [22:15–43:54] Guest: Daniel Jeremiah decodes the latest from the field
• [45:46–57:02] Guest: Peter Schrager + Jack Hughes in Studio
• [57:02–116:50] Guest: Jack Hughes | The Story Behind the Gold Medal Goal
• [116:54–131:53] Guest: Megan Keller | Women's Gold Medal Hockey Glory
• [142:26–179:19] Guest: Matt Patricia | NFL–College Transition, Ohio State, Scheme Talk
• Fun & Food: Throughout — anecdotes about combine nightlife, networking, and stadium eats

Highlights & Deep Dives

NFL Combine: Insider Energy, Athlete Standouts, & Networking

• The Combine isn’t just about workouts—networking is off the charts. Pat describes feeling "way too old" for the after-hours schmoozing, but acknowledges this is where "the seeds are planted for free agency and trades."

  “This is where the seeds are planted for free agency frenzy. This is where the trades are planned. This where the extensions are happening.” (Pat, 14:53)

• Unprecedented Athleticism:

  • Sonny Styles (Ohio State linebacker): 6’5”, 240 lbs ran a 4.47, jumped 43.5”, broad jumped 11’2”.
  • Arvell Reese (Ohio State): standout 4.46 at 6’4”, 250 lbs.
  • David Bailey (IU Raiders, edge): 4.51 forty.
  • Jacob Rodriguez: 250 tackles, 15 forced turnovers in 2 years, 4.5 forty, impressive agility.

• Tone Digs on Combine Trends:

  “That was the fastest average time for both linebackers and defensive linemen they've ever had.” (Tone, 06:41)

• Broad agreement the NFL’s rookie class is not only bigger/faster but more mature (“These guys have been millionaires since age 18…”)

Notable Combine Gossip & Coach Comedy

• Viral moment: Jets defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn caught napping (“tiger snooze”) up in the Combine suites, debated in jest as either a scandal or a genius move.

• Pat riffs:

  “Your entire angle is they’re doing what nobody else’s supposed … They’re falling asleep while scouting players. Genius!” (Pat, 12:30)

• Networking Notes: Media stars like Ian Rapoport use the Combine to dig for scoops, “hoping to run into people and get leverage information.”

• Salary Cap Update (17:38): NFL cap rises to $301.2M for 2026, a bump of $22M.

Daniel Jeremiah: NFL Draft & Combine Analysis

[22:15–43:54]

• Jeremiah breaks down the interplay of athletic testing and on-field production, especially at key positions (LB, edge, safety).
• On the maturation of draft prospects:

  “We have more 24 and 25-year-olds in this draft than we’ve ever seen … makes the evaluation a little bit easier.” (Daniel, 36:32)

• Three safeties could go in the first round; predicts some surprising late risers (e.g., Jacob Rodriguez moving into his top 50 after a strong combine).
• On the modern draft board:

  “That sweet spot of this draft … 16 or 17 to 55, that’s a sweet spot.” (Daniel, 36:17)

• Shares own story: Has only had one sip of alcohol ever; combine hangouts not his thing.

Historic USA Hockey Gold: Jack Hughes Segment

[57:02–116:50]

The Night That Changed Everything

• Hughes relives the gold medal win, gritty overtime goal, and playing with a chipped tooth after taking a stick to the face.
• The brotherhood and history of the National Team Development Program (NTDP):

  “Of the 25 guys on that team, I think 21 … are NDTP guys. We literally grew up together. Weddings, class, all of it.” (Jack, 70:18)

• On the postgame party and legacy:

  “The team camaraderie is unbelievable... In 20 years there’ll be another Jack Hughes. It’s just legacy.” (Jack, 71:55)

Why Did This Gold Mean So Much?

• Hughes attributes the success to “American Swagger”—a rallying cry from coach Mike Sullivan—and a relentless belief in each other.
• Pat notes on air:

  “This is going to be a story my son and I will talk about for the rest of our lives.” (Schrager, 48:25)

• Emotional connections: Huge Olympic moments shared with family, and the "USA Hockey Brotherhood" bonds.

Handling Fame and Adversity

• On tooth loss: “Every hockey player loses teeth. That’s not even a question … Really, it’s more, ‘Now I gotta go spend time in the dentist’s chair.’” (Jack, 88:43)

• Sudden rise to stardom:

  “It is a different level, for sure … now I have to be Jack Hughes more than I’ve ever been in my life.” (Jack, 93:24)

• Jack’s humility and team-first mindset widely praised; the team’s culture—rooted in service, toughness, and modesty—is the episode’s emotional core.

Memorable On-Air Moment

• Jack nails a hockey trick shot in-studio for $100,000 towards charity (112:13).

  “That’s a nail gun right there. Not a squid at all, dude. Love to play tummy stick sometime at another day.” (Pat, 112:13)

Megan Keller: Women’s Hockey Gold

[116:54–131:53]

• Keller describes the thrill of the U.S. women’s team’s win over Canada and her golden goal.

• Team chemistry: “We're working for something your whole life and you get to celebrate with your teammates—there's nothing better than that.” (Megan, 121:56)

• Shoutout to Erin Frankel as the “best goalie in the world, hands down.”

• On going back to real life after winning it all: “I was so excited to get back to Boston … I think just, it's an incredible time in sports and in women's hockey.” (Megan, 127:39)

• Strong unity and mutual support between men’s and women’s U.S. teams, despite outside narratives.

• PWHL and Boston Fleet details: "All the players you watched at the Olympics, they play in the PWHL… the Boston Fleet are number one!" (Megan, 125:35)

NFL Draft Talk: Peter Schrager & Insiders

[45:46–57:02, others]

• Trade rumors, AJ Brown’s status with Philly (not being proactively shopped), and the reality that “Howie Roseman is always listening” (Schrager, 52:33).
• Cardinals’ mystery at QB and the insight that “if they move on from Kyler Murray, it’s likely to be for financial reasons and a true fresh start.” (Schrager, 53:39)
• Malik Willis rises to top free agent QB status due to league demand and connections to Miami and Arizona coaching staff (Schrager, 55:29).

Matt Patricia: Pro to College, Ohio State, and Face of NFL Schematics

[142:26–179:19]

• Patricia unpacks the "backer hood" culture at OSU and how the pro-style defense gets the most out of the athletes.
• Teaching NFL concepts: “We just teach more conceptually, the bigger picture. I think that is one thing that will help them.” (Matt, 150:37)
• College recruiting is now an NFL coach-friendly environment due to the transfer portal: “You can get those players a lot faster and be competitive a lot quicker.” (Matt, 160:40)
• Fun facts: Patricia’s beard tradition is rooted in solidarity with Navy SEAL buddies—“I’m not shaving until you get back.”
• Favorite closing mantra: “I always go back to gratitude … let’s just be grateful and appreciative for everything that we got.” (Matt, 178:57)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On American Hockey’s Moment:

  "American Swagger … we're the best team in this tournament. Our belief just skyrocketed." — Jack Hughes (79:10)

• On Combine Networking:

  “This is where the seeds are planted for free agency frenzy. This is where the trades are planned.” — Pat McAfee (14:53)

• On Viral Combine Boredom:

  “Jets are doing stuff they've never done... falling asleep up in the booth.” — Connor, on Aaron Glenn (10:22)

• On New Era of Draft Prospects:

  “We have more 24 and 25-year-olds in this draft than we’ve ever seen … makes the evaluation a little bit easier.” — Daniel Jeremiah (36:32)

• On USA Hockey Camaraderie:

  "We are definitely bonded forever. You know, we're championship, you know, Olympic gold medal winning team." — Jack Hughes (72:56)

Timestamps Guide

• 00:00–03:33: Opening, Jack Hughes preview, hockey gold celebration
• 03:34–22:15: Combine recap, top athletes, inside the NFL networking vibe
• 22:15–43:54: Daniel Jeremiah on athletic scores, draft philosophy, and combine culture
• 45:46–57:02: Peter Schrager, NFL rumors, Jack Hughes arrives
• 57:02–116:50: Jack Hughes interview – Olympic gold, hockey brotherhood, legacy, in-studio trick shot
• 116:54–131:53: Megan Keller via FaceTime: women's gold, team culture, PWHL, hockey’s growth
• 142:26–179:19: Matt Patricia on college vs. NFL, Ohio State defense, recruiting, life lessons

Conclusion

This episode is a must-listen for NFL draft junkies, hockey fans moved by the recent gold medals, and anyone who loves the intersection of sports culture, excellence, and humor. Pat and co. deliver everything from viral Combine moments to deep reflections on team culture—proving again why PMS 2.0 is the sports podcast for true insiders and diehards alike.

For more gold medal moments, stick taps, and exclusive insider NFL analysis, revisit the full broadcast or follow @PatMcAfeeShow on social.