INDIANAPOLIS – On the field, Pat McAfee performs at an All-Pro level.
Off of it, McAfee's comedic act might challenge his world-class play on the gridiron.
"Uncaged", McAfee's comedy special, will be available to purchase for ADULTS on Tuesday at www.PatMcAfeeUncaged.com.
Back in July, McAfee took the stage at The Palladium in Carmel where he sold out the 1,300-seat arena in just 10 minutes.
The first comedy special ever by an active NFL player was such a hit that McAfee had two live shows.
Last week, Colts.com caught up with McAfee to talk about his passion of laughter.
On when he realized having a comedy show was possible:
"I didn't really think it was at all possible until we sold a ticket. I thought we could book a show but if nobody comes, it's not that big of a deal. So we book a show, we book a venue, the Palladium and a lot of people thought it was too big and I thought so, too. I thought if we sold a couple hundred tickets it would be a success. Once it sold out, that's when it all clicked that I have to do something now--I have to actually put on a show. I'm just happy it worked out. My mom is a very tough critic and she told me it wasn't awful so that's why we are going ahead with the DVD release. I'm excited about it. Hopefully when it goes up for sale, some people will buy it and continue to raise money for a good cause. Hopefully turn this into something post-football."
On his passion for comedy:
"I've always wanted to do (comedy). I've always been a fan of laughing. I think people undervalue making people laugh. Making somebody smile is just something that is priceless. Once I got linked up with my folks at Bob and Tom and I started to get into the whole thing, one step led to another. Now, granted, was The Palladium a bit of a huge start, as opposed to a smaller venue? Yeah. But it was a lot of fun and I'm happy to have great people around me."
On where the title "Uncaged" came from:
"There's a song from Zac Brown called "Uncaged." I've always been too scared to do stand-up. I was kind of scared to fail, scared to make people mad. Then I listed to that song one night and it was just like, 'Go do it, man. There's nothing that's going to hold you back.' That was kind of the rhyme and reason behind it. It just happened to work out perfectly."
"I have a ridiculous New Year's Eve that I am presenting at Old National Centre. We are raising money for a PTSD Treatment Lodge, the first of its kind in the country. We are raising money that night for it. I've got huge surprise guests, huge surprise guests. There's only a few tickets left but that event is going to be some more comedy, some more laughing, laughing into the New Year and then party afterwards. I'll be in bed by 11:00 but everybody else can party. Everything is all about raising money for good causes and making people laugh. That's really the best thing in the world."
On the reaction he has received from fans:
"This is absolutely incredible. And the people of Indiana are the only reason why this is possible. They've taken me in as a son. I'm very honored to call myself a Hoosier and I'm just trying to do my part to make people happy and give back as much as possible."
Pat McAfee in action during the 2014 season.
