by When we talk about sports journalism, one name that immediately comes to mind is Dan Katz, famously known as Big Cat. Over the years, his dynamic approach has beautifully combined humor, insight, and a deep love for sports, pushing him to the forefront of digital sports commentary and podcasting.
As an American internet personality, Katz earned massive fame through his work as a co-host on Barstool Sports’ podcast, Pardon My Take, a show that debuted on 29 February 2016.
I personally remember tuning into the 750,000 to 1.5 million strong audience per episode, feeling that unique blend of wit and passion he brought, especially when it topped the US iTunes charts. His larger-than-life personality and quick wit made him synonymous with success in a highly competitive realm.
Yet, even with his public presence as a humorous podcaster, journalist, and man behind the Big Cat persona, he remains surprisingly tight-lipped about his personal life, keeping the romantic crucial aspect—including his wife—away from the public eye.
This article truly sheds light on how Katz managed to build such a strong image while carefully balancing fame and privacy.
Who is Dan Katz?
Dan Katz is a prominent American journalist, podcast producer, and television personality who made significant contributions to the sports and entertainment industry. Born as Daniel Thomas Katz on January 30, 1985, in West Newton, Massachusetts, he grew up with a natural passion for storytelling and commentary.
After studying at Newton North High School, he initially considered a business education at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
However, craving a change of scenery and direction, he shifted to Wisconsin to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where between 2003 to 2007 he pursued degrees in marketing and journalism, setting a strong groundwork for his future career.
After graduating, Katz quickly started working in radio and talk shows across Wisconsin, sharpening his journalistic skills. His impressive background caught the attention of Erika Nardini, the CEO of Barstool Sports, leading him to join the network.
There, he began his ascent as an executive producer and media personality, contributing heavily to podcasts and various productions. It’s amazing to see how someone, through sheer hard work and a clear vision, builds such a lasting footprint in a tough industry—something I often emphasize to new media students.
Dan Katz, better known as Big Cat, truly rose to fame in the mid to late 2010s as a key figure behind the podcast Pardon My Take, which started broadcast on the Barstool Sports Network in 2016. Teaming up with PFT Commenter, the duo created a comedic take on sports discussions.
I remember when Apple listed Pardon My Take among the year’s best podcasts. By 2017, they were ranked the number one sports media talents under 40 by The Big Lead, and by 2018, it became the 14th most-downloaded podcast of the year on iTunes. Such achievements are rare and highlight why Big Cat became such an influential voice.
Throughout these years, the podcast expanded, featuring interns like Jilly Football, Jake Marsh, and Billy Football. Meanwhile, Dan continued to explore beyond podcasting, working as a writer for The Barstool Rundown: Live from Houston, and appeared on shows like The Ryen Russillo Show, PFT Live, Men in Blazers, and The Dan Patrick Show.
In 2018, this dynamic media personality even teamed up with Alex Rodrigues to create another successful podcast, The Corp. Earning a salary close to $300,000 per year since 2019, Katz has undoubtedly earned his place among the top, blending remarkable talent with an incredible work ethic.
Dan Katz’s Rise to Fame
Dan Katz, also known as Big Cat, started his journey to success when he joined Barstool Sports in 2012. At that time, Barstool was growing fast, and Katz saw a big chance to build his career. With his strong journalistic skills and a natural sense of humor, he quickly became an important part of the network.
His ability to mix fun with real sports discussions made him different from others. Many people loved how real and relatable he sounded, and that helped him gain fans early in his career.
In 2016, Katz made a bold move by launching the podcast “Pardon My Take” with his co-host PFT Commenter. The show was a fresh mix of comedic sports talk and real insights. It became an instant hit, earning a spot on Apple’s list of the year’s best podcasts.
By 2017, Katz and his co-host were ranked the number one sports media talents under 40 by The Big Lead, which was a huge moment in their careers. The show’s success wasn’t just luck — it was built on smart planning, strong chemistry, and understanding what young sports fans wanted to hear.
The growth of Pardon My Take helped Dan Katz become a well-known media personality. The show pulled in millions of listeners every week and climbed high on the iTunes charts.
In 2018, it became the 14th most-downloaded podcast of the year, which showed how popular Katz had become. Along with hosting his main show, he also appeared on programs like The Ryen Russillo Show, PFT Live, Men in Blazers, and The Dan Patrick Show, proving his wide appeal across the sports world.
Thanks to his hard work and smart career choices, Katz didn’t just become a successful podcaster. He became a powerful voice in the sports media industry. His journey shows that being creative, taking risks, and staying true to your audience can really pay off — something I’ve often seen while helping young media professionals build their brands.
How Much Is Dan Katz Worth in 2025?
By 2025, Dan Katz has built a strong presence in sports media and podcasting, reaching a net worth of about $10 million. His journey started after switching from a real estate job to joining Dave Portnoy’s Barstool Sports in 2012.
With his Midwest perspective and a nickname like Big Cat, Katz quickly connected with a wide audience. In 2016, he launched Pardon My Take (PMT) with PFT Commenter (Eric Sollenberger), a satirical show blending humor, real sports commentary, and deep interviews.
Thanks to this unique blend, the podcast became one of the top sports podcasts in the world, pulling massive attention not only from sports fans but also from entertainment and media industries.
Pardon My Take has been estimated to generate nearly $80,000 in revenue per episode, making it one of Barstool’s biggest hits. Along with podcast earnings, Katz’s income also comes from his content initiatives within Barstool Sports, where he played a key role in the company’s growth and evolution.
Beyond podcasts, he has expanded his influence through traditional sports media outlets, maintaining strong relationships with professional athletes, coaches, and celebrities. His style, balancing comedy with genuine sports knowledge and interviewing skills, keeps his work fresh and engaging.
A deep love for Chicago sports teams like the Bears and Cubs also adds to his relatability, helping him build a loyal following on social media and at live events. Today, Katz stands among the influential voices of modern sports media, showing that alternative approaches can truly resonate with audiences tired of traditional sports talk.
How Dan Katz Earns His Income
One of the biggest sources of Dan Katz’s income is the Pardon My Take (PMT) podcast, which he launched with PFT Commenter. It is estimated that PMT generates around $80,000 in revenue per episode, making it one of the highest-earning sports podcasts in the world.
Thanks to the show’s unique blend of satirical humor, sports commentary, and celebrity interviews, the podcast pulls in millions of loyal listeners and brings consistent revenue from downloads, ads, and partnerships.
Apart from podcast earnings, Katz receives a salary and bonuses from Barstool Sports, where he has been a key figure in the company’s growth and evolution. His early work, managing Barstool Chicago, and later contributions to Barstool’s national expansion, made him one of their valuable assets.
Beyond his core roles, sponsorships, advertisements, and guest appearances on other traditional sports media outlets add another strong income stream. His influence in the sports media landscape helps attract high-profile guests, brand deals, and speaking opportunities, strengthening both his personal brand and his financial success.
Dan Katz’s Podcast Success: Pardon My Take
Pardon My Take is a major reason why Dan Katz became a leading voice in sports media. Launched in 2016 with co-host PFT Commenter, the podcast brings a unique style that mixes sharp sports analysis with clever humor.
Instead of the usual serious sports talk, Katz and his team use a relaxed, fun tone that feels more like friends chatting about games. This alternative approach made the show stand out, helping it rank consistently among the top sports podcasts not just in the US, but worldwide.
The show’s success also comes from its ability to attract high-profile guests, including professional athletes, coaches, and big celebrities from the sports and entertainment worlds. The mix of irreverent humor, smart questions, and real insights keeps fans coming back. Pardon My Take proves how using both comedy and serious sports discussion together can create a winning formula that truly connects with modern audiences.
Dan Katz’s Connection with Barstool Sports
Dan Katz joined Barstool Sports in 2012, a time when the company was still growing and mainly active in the Boston area. Katz quickly took charge of Barstool Chicago, managing it successfully for four years. His leadership helped the brand build a strong following in the Midwest, showing how well he understood the local sports culture.
Under his management, Barstool Chicago became one of the key offices that connected deeply with sports fans, creating a loyal base that would later support the company’s national rise.
Beyond running Chicago operations, Katz played a big role in Barstool’s national expansion. His work on the Pardon My Take podcast and other content projects attracted attention across the country.
His smart balance of humor and real sports discussion helped Barstool move from a local blog into a major national brand. Katz’s strong relationship with Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool, also helped his growth inside the company. Portnoy trusted Katz’s instincts and creativity, allowing him to launch new ideas that brought fresh energy to Barstool’s content strategy.
Lifestyle and Personal Life
Dan Katz has always stayed close to his roots, especially through his strong love for Chicago sports teams like the Bears and Cubs. Even as his fame grew, he kept his image real and grounded, which is why he’s widely known for being relatable and maintaining a humble image.
His active presence at public appearances and on social media has helped him build a massive and loyal fanbase, proving that staying authentic can be just as powerful as being famous.
Conclusion
From starting at Barstool Sports to becoming a top name in sports media, Dan Katz has built a powerful brand through hard work, humor, and real connections with his audience. With a net worth of $10 million in 2025, his journey reflects how staying true to your voice, embracing new media, and delivering consistent value can turn passion into long-term success.
FAQs
What is Dan Katz’s primary source of income?
Dan Katz’s primary income sources are his earnings from the podcast Pardon My Take and his contributions to Barstool Sports.
How much does Dan Katz earn from Pardon My Take?
It is estimated that Pardon My Take generates approximately $80,000 in revenue per episode.
Is Dan Katz still with Barstool Sports in 2025?
Yes, as of 2025, Dan Katz is still actively involved with Barstool Sports.
What are Dan Katz’s most notable achievements?
Dan Katz’s most notable achievements include building a highly successful podcasting career, helping Pardon My Take become one of the top sports podcasts, and establishing himself as a major influence in sports media.
Does Dan Katz have any investments outside media?
There are no widely reported investments outside the media industry for Dan Katz. Most of his known work and earnings are related to podcasting and sports entertainment.
What is PFT’s net worth?
PFT Commenter, Dan Katz’s co-host, is estimated to have a net worth between $2 million to $3 million, although exact figures vary by source.
How much does PFT make?
While exact salaries are not publicly confirmed, it’s believed that PFT Commenter earns a strong income through podcast revenue, sponsorships, and Barstool Sports content deals, similar to Dan Katz.
What did Dan Katz do before Barstool?
Before joining Barstool Sports in 2012, Dan Katz worked in real estate and developed his skills in sports writing and media.
What is the net worth of Portnoy?
Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, has an estimated net worth of around $100 million, primarily built through the success of Barstool and his stock investments.
