A Former NFL Star Dives Into Peanut Butter and Jelly
From the gridiron to gridlock traffic, NFL players have always known how to navigate challenges. And now, one of their own is tackling something a bit tastier—a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. On June 22, 2026, the startup JAMS announced its newest co-owner: the charismatic sports media figure Pat McAfee. This marks McAfee's first foray into the food and beverage industry, tying his personal passion for PB&J to a growth phase for JAMS.
Why McAfee's Move Matters
It's not every day you see a media juggernaut jump feet-first into snacks, but McAfee's involvement isn't as wild as it sounds. The NFL star turned broadcaster is joining forces as part of an ambitious expansion plan for JAMS, which seeks to redefine our on-the-go eating habits by offering sandwiches free from seed oils, artificial dyes, and high-fructose corn syrup. McAfee's ownership comes as JAMS plans to launch new flavors and partnerships, both in retail stores and on sports fields.
"Me and every other kid in America grew up eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches," said JAMS Founder Connor Blakley. "With Pat as Co-Owner, we will make sure the next generation grows up eating JAMS."
The Strategic Player Lineup
JAMS was launched in July 2025 under The DropOut Companies, integrating protein-rich, convenience-oriented features into the classic PB&J. Founder Connor Blakley knew the aisle needed a shake-up, believing that convenience no longer meant compromises on quality. The brand has since teamed up with NFL Players Inc., bringing football stars into its recipe development huddle.
Beyond Just a Snack
Pat McAfee's initial attachment to JAMS goes beyond typical business deals. It's personal. For McAfee, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have been a constant companion—from his childhood in Pennsylvania to his punting days with the Indianapolis Colts, to now perching as snacks during his media gigs. "I grew up in a PB&J house," he reminisced. This personal history led him to partner up after regularly consuming the product on his show.
The partnership came after JAMS sent products to McAfee's media sets, opening up discussions around common visions and values. From there, McAfee didn’t just jump in for a cameo. Expect his presence to be established through brand positioning, creative direction, and innovative sports partnerships.
Redefining Snack Time with Athletic Backing
Don't mistake the vibrancy of McAfee's digital presence for superficial success. His platform reaches roughly a billion views in a single month, showcasing substantial influence and reach. It's this audience engagement that JAMS is counting on—linking every bite to shared memories between sports fans and athletes.
The Road Ahead
With a core ethos of combining great taste and wholesome ingredients, JAMS is targeting nationwide distribution through major retailers like Walmart and Target. They’ve got a lineup of athletes and creative investors that can make anyone raise an eyebrow. With brand backers like Alex Morgan, Caleb Williams, and JJ Watt already on board, McAfee joins an illustrious roster that speaks to both tastes and lifestyle choices.
"His platform speaks for itself," said Blakley, referring to McAfee's limitless reach across social media and sports media channels. "What matters to us is who we're building this with. Our values aligned from the jump."
As the modern iteration of a time-tested classic, JAMS isn't just vying for dominance in the snack world—they're angling for a whole new definition of what PB&J can be. Expect to hear more about JAMS as McAfee interweaves it into his life, showing up in everything from social channels to The Pat McAfee Show. So, investors, keep your eyes on this ball, because JAMS is gunning for major league.
