Pat McAfee and his wife, Samantha, have some incredible news to share this Memorial Day Weekend: their family just got a little bigger. The former NFL punter turned sports media superstar announced the arrival of their second child, a baby boy named Midas Robert McAfee, who entered the world on Friday, May 22nd, at 10:42 PM, weighing 6 pounds, 6 ounces.
McAfee took to social media to share the emotional story, revealing that the pregnancy was high-risk due to severe preeclampsia, leading to an emergency C-section. “Baby boy officially entered the world… as a 6lb 6oz screaming young legend… 10 Toes, 10 Fingers, full head of hair,” he wrote, capturing the joy and relief of the moment.
The newborn faced some early challenges. Because Midas arrived at 36 weeks—four weeks before full term—he needed help developing his lungs and clearing fluid. He was sent to the NICU, where he spent about 36 hours on a CPAP machine and a feeding tube in a heated pod. McAfee described the scare of seeing his son hooked up to “very serious” equipment but remained optimistic. “Watching Samantha battle thru her recovery has been nothing short of inspiring,” he added, praising his wife’s strength.
Fortunately, Midas proved to be a fighter. After the NICU stay, he was released back to the family’s room, sparking a “full celebration.” McAfee shared that they’ve been enjoying the simple joys of sleeping, burping, feeding, and changing diapers. They’re eager to get home to their 3-year-old daughter, who has been kept informed and entertained by her grandparents.
The name Midas holds deep personal significance. McAfee explained that he first fell in love with the name during his freshman year of high school, inspired by Greek mythology. “The thought of everything you touch becoming gold was certainly an immediate draw for me,” he wrote, but he emphasized that in their family, gold comes from hard work, luck, and great people. The middle name, Robert, is a tribute to Samantha’s late father, ensuring his memory lives on through his grandson.
This heartwarming family news comes as McAfee continues to make headlines in the sports world. Fans have been buzzing about whether Aaron Rodgers will keep his weekly Pat McAfee Show gig in Pittsburgh, adding another layer of intrigue to McAfee’s busy life. But for now, the focus is on the new addition.
McAfee’s journey into fatherhood has been a rollercoaster, but he’s embracing every moment. “We’ve been floating around this room,” he said, grateful for the support of family and the miracle of their new son. With Midas Robert McAfee now home, the McAfee family is complete—at least for now.
