Newly retired McAfee admits he battled health issues in 2016

Pat McAfee stunned the football world - as much as any punter can, at least - when he announced his retirement Wednesday night.

The 29-year-old former Indianapolis Colts fan favorite is leaving the NFL to join Barstool Sports.

McAfee's retirement came as a shock, as he remains one of the NFL's best punters and could surely make more money by continuing his playing career than he will as a media member.

In an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show on Thursday, McAfee shed some light on why he's leaving the sport.

"The last half of the season I couldn't really walk much on days I kicked," McAfee admitted.

In a letter posted to McAfee's Twitter account announcing his retirement, he mentioned "staring down my third knee surgery in four years."

Add it all up and it sounds like McAfee wasn't confident in his continued ability to remain one of the game's best punters - or in his ability to live a pain-free life while also punting - and decided to walk away while on top.