Chris Russo tells Pat McAfee not to be ‘so sensitive’

Toughen up, Pat. That’s Chris Russo’s message to Pat McAfee as he deals with the fallout from the Aaron Rodgers Jimmy Kimmel controversy that ignited on his show last week. McAfee has since ripped an ESPN executive and has lashed out at critics, lending credence to the reports that the outspoken media host is thin skinned.

The former Colts punter also expressed his disdain for New York Post sports media columnist Andrew Marchand writing about McAfee’s mediocre ratings . “(Pat) does a great job in a lot of ways but you can’t be that sensitive. He is so sensitive, (Marchand) and him have of course gotten into it somewhat, he’s mad at you, he’s gotten mad at other writers, he’s too sens … let it go,” Russo said while co hosting the “Marchand and Ourand” podcast .

“You’re making $85 million, whatever you’re making. You can’t get that wrapped up when somebody writes something that is not so much that is going to be in your corner, you can’t come out swinging and bury everybody.” CLIP: Pat McAfee is too sensitive, according to guest host Chris (Mad Dog) Russo.

POD: https://t.co/URb0LONilH pic.twitter.com/HUyEqOVZnE As McAfee’s show has been in the spotlight following Rodgers’ comments that Kimmel hopes he’s not on the associates’ list of convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, McAfee has pushed back against those who are critical of his show and methods.

McAfee called ESPN executive Norby Williamson a “rat” while alleging he leaked ratings information that showcased his show in a negative light, and then ranted on how he believes some media outlets are attempting to take him and his show down. Some questioned if McAfee is trying to get himself fired, which he has dismissed.

Russo, though, said McAfee has to show he can honor a contract, which has not been his strength since breaking into the industry. “The one thing you can say about (Pat), he’s got to prove that he can last a long time with a network,” Russo said. “Whether it’s Barstool, Sirius XM, FanDuel, he hasn’t proved yet that you can stay five, 10 years – he’ll probably kill me for saying that, but it’s true – you got to stay a little longer here.

He hasn’t yet shown the ability to be a little long lasting. “This is a case here that ESPN had a rough week, the guy’s only been there for four months, it’s not like he’s been there for five years. He’s been so successful, his model is superb, why is getting so worked up on what a rating may say?” He added: “Let it go.

It’s not that important.”.