PMS 2.0 1581 - Live From New York, with Jordan Walker, Peter Schrager, Mark Schlabach, Mikaela Shiffrin, and AJ Hawk

Summary of PMS 2.0 1581 - Live From New York, with Jordan Walker, Peter Schrager, Mark Schlabach, Mikaela Shiffrin, and AJ Hawk

by Pat McAfee, ESPN

2h 18m•July 14, 2026
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Overview of PMS 2.0 1581 - Live From New York, with Jordan Walker, Peter Schrager, Mark Schlabach, Mikaela Shiffrin, and AJ Hawk

Pat McAfee and the crew broadcast live from the ESPYs Lounge in New York City on ESPYs Eve, turning the show into a mix of sports talk, celebrity sightings, and live reactions to major events. The biggest themes were the success of the new Home Run Derby format, the possibility of Aaron Donald returning to the Rams, the upcoming Open Championship, and a thoughtful conversation with Mikaela Shiffrin about elite competition, discipline, and the growth of women’s sports.

ESPNYS Lounge Atmosphere and Show Open

  • The crew kicked off from a packed ESPYs Lounge in NYC, joking about taking over the space and the chaos of hosting a live show in a room meant for celebrity arrivals.
  • They talked through the late-night festivities from the previous night, including a post-Home Run Derby bar crawl and Bruce Brown’s famously energetic exit from the bar.
  • The vibe was celebratory and loose, with plenty of side conversations, guest walk-ins, and New York sports culture references.

Home Run Derby Reaction and Jordan Walker’s Breakout Night

Why the Derby Worked

  • The crew praised MLB’s Home Run Derby format changes, saying this year felt faster, more exciting, and much better in person than last year.
  • They highlighted how the event still feels special because players care, show up, and treat it like an honor.

Jordan Walker Interview Takeaways

  • Jordan Walker, the Cardinals’ 24-year-old slugger, joined after winning the Derby and taking home the $1 million prize.
  • He talked about staying calm under pressure, especially with the Philadelphia crowd heavily booing him and rooting for Kyle Schwarber.
  • Walker said he mostly tried not to overthink it and focused on getting good pitches and not tiring out.
  • He credited his family, teammates, and childhood love of baseball for helping him prepare mentally.
  • He named Chipper Jones and Jason Heyward as players he admired growing up.
  • The crew emphasized how massive and athletic Walker is, noting that he may also become a 30-30 type player in the future.

Main Takeaway

  • Walker’s win was framed as a breakout moment for a young star who could be part of baseball’s next wave of marketable, exciting players.

Peter Schrager on Aaron Donald and NFL Storylines

  • Schrager joined live and gave a clear update on Aaron Donald’s situation with the Rams.
  • His view: Donald is not coming back unless he is fully ready and fully himself; this is not about a small cameo or reduced role.
  • He said the Rams would absolutely welcome him, but the decision is about Donald’s readiness first, money second.
  • Schrager suggested a return would likely mean a legitimate season-long commitment rather than a limited snaps arrangement.
  • He also discussed the Rams’ broader Super Bowl potential if Donald returns, calling the roster “Avengers-like” with all the veteran talent.

Mark Schlabach on the British Open and Global Golf Storylines

Open Championship Conditions

  • Schlabach reported from the U.K. with major weather and course notes:
    • The course is hot, dry, firm, and fast
    • The rough is already drying out
    • Wind remains a factor, especially for early tee times
  • He predicted scores could settle around 14 to 16 under par if conditions hold.

Players to Watch

  • He highlighted:
    • Matt Fitzpatrick
    • Tommy Fleetwood
    • Tyrrell Hatton
    • Collin Morikawa
    • Viktor Hovland
    • Ludvig Åberg
    • Wyndham Clark
  • He also called Bryson DeChambeau one of the more fascinating storylines, noting his unique equipment and continued focus on LIV Golf.

Other Golf and College Football Notes

  • Schlabach and the crew also discussed:
    • Scottie Scheffler’s missed cut and what it means, though Schlabach argued it may simply be a reset
    • The state of college football, including:
      • Georgia’s roster questions under Kirby Smart
      • LSU’s expensive roster and expectations under Lane Kiffin
      • Oregon and Notre Dame as possible national title contenders
  • He noted the broader issue of NIL and roster building, suggesting some programs may need guardrails soon.

Mikaela Shiffrin on Dominance, Discipline, and Women’s Sports

Her Career and Perspective

  • Mikaela Shiffrin joined as one of the greatest skiers ever, fresh off another record-setting season and continued global recognition.
  • She spoke about how skiing is different from team sports because the outcome is entirely on her, which can be both empowering and isolating.

Mentality and Training

  • Shiffrin’s biggest insight was that elite success is driven less by constant motivation and more by relentless consistency.
  • She said motivation is not present most of the time; instead, she relies on discipline, preparation, and a long-term view.
  • Her training includes heavy strength work, especially leg-focused exercises like squats and Bulgarian split squats.

Women’s Sports

  • The conversation expanded into the rise of women’s sports:
    • Shiffrin said the increased attention and viewership are a positive sign
    • She noted that women’s skiing already had equal prize money in many events, and the broader sports landscape is finally catching up in visibility and respect
  • The crew tied this to the growing legitimacy and excitement around women’s leagues like the WNBA.

Additional Show Banter and Memorable Moments

  • The crew had a lot of fun reacting to celebrity sightings, especially:
    • Will Ferrell
    • Brad Pitt
    • Chris Rock
    • Brett Veach
    • Dom DiSandro (the iconic Philly “Big Dom”)
  • There was a long-running bit about a Hummer EV display in the lounge, with the crew joking about the car’s glass roof, the “crab walk” feature, and whether it leaks in the rain.
  • The team also kept joking about their late-night adventures, bar tabs, and the unpredictable energy of the ESPYs weekend.

Final Takeaways

  • The new Home Run Derby format was a success, and Jordan Walker’s win was the clear emotional and competitive highlight.
  • Aaron Donald’s potential return remains one of the biggest NFL storylines, but only if he’s fully ready.
  • The British Open is set up for a dramatic, firm, fast test, with several elite players in position to contend.
  • Mikaela Shiffrin’s segment was one of the strongest of the show, offering real insight into elite performance, consistency, and the future of women’s sports.
  • The entire episode captured the live-event, high-energy feel of ESPN’s ESPYs week in New York.