Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of digital media and sports commentary, few personalities have made as significant an impact as Dan Katz, popularly known as Big Cat. As a key figure behind Barstool Sports, Katz has emerged as one of the most recognizable voices in sports and pop culture. His sharp wit, laid-back personality, and deep sports knowledge have made him a favorite among fans across the United States.
But Dan Katz is more than just a sports commentator. He’s a podcast innovator, media entrepreneur, and an important part of the growing world of independent sports media. In this article, we explore his early life, rise to fame, role at Barstool, and the massive success of his flagship podcast, Pardon My Take.
Early Life and Background
Dan Katz was born on January 30, 1985, and grew up in the Chicago, Illinois area. Though he keeps much of his personal life private, fans know that he’s a passionate Chicago sports fan, particularly when it comes to the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, and Chicago Cubs.
Katz graduated from Wisconsin–Madison, where he developed his deep love for sports and writing. After college, he pursued a career in media and content creation, landing a role at a relatively small company that would soon explode into a cultural phenomenon: Barstool Sports.
Joining Barstool Sports
Barstool Sports was founded in 2003 by Dave Portnoy, but it wasn’t until the 2010s that the company transformed into a national powerhouse. Katz joined the team in the early 2010s and quickly made a name for himself through his humorous blogs, live coverage, and social media commentary.
His writing combined sharp humor, strong opinions, and sports analysis—a blend that resonated with Barstool’s growing fanbase. He wrote prolifically on the site and gained attention for his ability to mix satire with real insight, especially when it came to football, basketball, and trending news stories.
Rise of Big Cat: An Authentic Voice
As “Big Cat,” Katz cultivated an online persona that was authentic, relatable, and hilariously self-aware. He wasn’t trying to be the smartest guy in the room—he was trying to be the funniest guy at the tailgate. His commentary often included self-deprecating humor and passionate rants about his beloved sports teams.
This everyman quality endeared him to fans. Unlike traditional sports analysts who talk from a distance, Big Cat talks like a fan—because he is one. His voice represented a growing segment of sports media consumers who wanted honesty, comedy, and passion over polished scripts.
Pardon My Take: A Podcast Powerhouse
In 2016, Dan Katz and his colleague PFT Commenter launched Pardon My Take, a podcast that would go on to become one of the most listened-to sports shows in the country. Distributed by Barstool Sports, PMT was a revolutionary blend of comedy, sports news, and celebrity interviews.
Pardon My Take quickly rose to the top of the Apple Podcast charts, reaching millions of weekly listeners. The show’s unique format includes:
- Recurring segments like “Hot Seat/Cool Throne,” “Fyre Fest of the Week,” and “Mount Rushmore”
- High-profile guests, including athletes like J.J. Watt, Blake Griffin, and Aaron Rodgers
- A casual, comedic style that balances real sports talk with absurd humor
Big Cat’s role in the podcast’s success cannot be overstated. His ability to manage the tone, keep conversations engaging, and connect with guests has made PMT a cultural staple for sports fans aged 18–40.
Media Expansion and Influence
Dan Katz’s influence extends far beyond podcasts. He has helped Barstool Sports expand into live streaming, YouTube, and social media, consistently generating content that performs across all platforms. His Twitter account, once among the most followed sports personalities, became a hub for real-time reactions, memes, and sports takes that frequently went viral.
Katz has also worked on Barstool’s branded shows, live coverage of events like March Madness, and even made guest appearances on ESPN and other mainstream outlets—despite Barstool’s often controversial brand.
Business Savvy and Ownership Stakes
When The Chernin Group purchased a majority stake in Barstool Sports in 2016, and later when Penn Entertainment took over in a landmark deal, Dan Katz emerged not just as a talent—but as an equity stakeholder. He was one of several early contributors who reportedly received shares as part of Barstool’s valuation growth.
While exact figures remain private, it’s widely believed that Katz has earned significant income not just through his on-air work, but through media equity, advertising revenue, and partnerships. He has also launched side projects and endorsed brands through his personal and professional platforms.
Privacy and Personal Life
Despite his public-facing persona, Dan Katz has maintained a surprisingly private personal life. He is known to be in a long-term relationship and became a father in 2020, referring to his child affectionately as “Baby Cat” online.
Unlike many celebrities in digital media, Katz draws a clear line between his professional identity and his family life. This decision has earned him respect from fans who appreciate his focus on content over personal exposure.
Controversies and Resilience
As a part of Barstool Sports, Katz has occasionally been pulled into controversies surrounding the company. However, he has managed to navigate them with more subtlety than some of his colleagues. Often seen as the “voice of reason” within Barstool, Katz is respected for his ability to balance loyalty to the brand with accountability and integrity.
He has also been an advocate for mental health, charity efforts, and respectful dialogue in sports—setting him apart in a field that often thrives on division and outrage.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Dan Katz helped usher in a new era of sports media—one that embraces fan voices, podcasts, and humor over traditional formats. He proved that you don’t need a journalism degree or TV studio to build a loyal, national audience. All you need is authenticity, consistency, and talent.
Today, Big Cat is more than a sports commentator—he’s a cultural influencer, a media entrepreneur, and a blueprint for how creators can grow with platforms while maintaining their voice.
Conclusion
From his humble beginnings as a blogger to his status as a podcast mogul and digital media icon, Dan “Big Cat” Katz has carved out a unique and lasting space in the world of sports and entertainment. Whether he’s breaking down NFL games, cracking jokes with celebrities, or simply venting about a bad Bears season, Katz represents the voice of the modern sports fan—passionate, humorous, and unapologetically real.
His contributions to Barstool Sports and the podcasting industry have changed how fans consume content, proving that alternative voices can not only compete with mainstream media—they can dominate it.
As Pardon My Take continues to top charts and Barstool expands its reach, Dan Katz’s impact will only grow. And through it all, he remains the same Big Cat fans have come to love—funny, humble, and one of the most influential voices in sports media today.