The Unlikely Rise Of Zac Cornelius: 5 Things You Didn't Know About The Pardon My Take Secret Weapon

Zac Cornelius has quietly transitioned from a nervous, aspiring Barstool Sports employee to an indispensable member of the *Pardon My Take* (PMT) crew, a show consistently ranked as one of the most popular sports podcasts in the world. As of this current date, December 15, 2025, Zac continues to be a central figure, contributing to the podcast's signature comedic rhythm and expanding his role across the Barstool ecosystem, particularly on *The Yak*.

His journey is one of the most unique in Barstool lore, beginning not with a journalism degree or a viral tweet, but with a highly awkward job interview for a completely different job. This unlikely origin story, combined with his deadpan humor and willingness to be the butt of a joke, has cemented Zac’s status as the PMT’s secret weapon, providing a crucial, grounded counterpoint to the antics of hosts Dan Katz (Big Cat) and Eric Sollenberger (PFT Commenter).

Zac Cornelius: Biography and Career Profile

Zac Cornelius, often simply referred to as Zac on the podcast, maintains a relatively private personal life, a stark contrast to the public personas of his co-hosts. His career trajectory, however, is well-documented within the Barstool universe, making him a true example of an "A-to-Z" employee who rose through the ranks.

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• Full Name: Zac Cornelius
• Primary Role: Contributing Member/Producer on *Pardon My Take* (PMT) and *The Yak*
• Previous Career: Car Salesman (Prior to Barstool Sports)
• Barstool Origin: Gained Big Cat's attention during an interview for a different role with former NFL coach Jon Gruden.
• Key Collaborators: Big Cat, PFT Commenter, Hank Lockwood, Max (Producer), Memes.
• Location: Chicago, Illinois (Moved from Tampa, Florida, upon being hired by Barstool).
• Notable Content: "Fastest Two Minutes" segment contributions, *The Yak* live streams, PMT Skits, and various personal segments like "Zac Cooks Dinner For PMT."
• Current Status (2025): Continues to be a permanent, integral fixture across the PMT and Yak content slate, demonstrating strong topical authority in sports and comedy.

The Legendary Origin Story: From Car Salesman to Barstool Full-Timer

Zac Cornelius’s path to becoming a Barstool Sports personality is an unintentional masterpiece of content creation. Before the bright lights of the Chicago office, Zac was working as a car salesman in Florida. His entire career trajectory changed thanks to a single, high-stakes, and incredibly awkward interview that Big Cat happened to observe.

The Jon Gruden Interview That Went Viral

The pivotal moment in Zac’s life was an interview for a role with former NFL head coach Jon Gruden in Florida. The Barstool team, including Big Cat, was present, and Zac’s nervous, almost painfully earnest demeanor made an immediate impression.

Big Cat, recognizing the pure, unscripted comedic potential in Zac's personality, saw an opportunity. Though Zac wasn't hired for the Gruden job, Big Cat extended an invitation to join *The Yak*, a popular Barstool show known for its chaotic, unscripted nature. This move was a gamble that paid off handsomely, turning Zac into an overnight Barstool sensation.

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His early appearances on *The Yak* quickly led to a full-time job offer and a move from Tampa to Chicago. This whole saga is a perfect encapsulation of the Barstool ethos: finding genuine, entertaining characters in the most unlikely places and giving them a platform. Zac’s initial nervousness and subsequent growth have made him one of the most relatable figures in the Barstool universe.

Zac’s Indispensable Role and Iconic PMT Contributions

While Big Cat and PFT Commenter drive the narrative and deliver the "loudest and most correct sports takes," Zac Cornelius provides essential production, research support, and, most importantly, a distinct on-air persona that has generated some of the show's most memorable running bits. His role is multifaceted, blending behind-the-scenes work with front-facing content creation.

The "Fastest Two Minutes" Maestro

One of the most praised aspects of Zac's contribution is his role in the "Fastest Two Minutes" segment, a rapid-fire recap of the week’s sports news. Fans frequently praise Zac for his ability to seamlessly deliver the segment's content, often noting that he "crushes fastest two minutes every time."

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This segment requires quick wit, precise timing, and deep topical knowledge, solidifying his value as more than just a comedic sidekick. His consistent performance in this high-pressure segment is a testament to his professionalism within the chaotic PMT environment. The segment is often presented by major sponsors like Draft Kings, highlighting the importance of Zac's reliable delivery.

Running Gags and Personal Content

Zac’s willingness to participate in personal and often humiliating bits has endeared him to the AWL (Award Winning Listeners) fanbase. These segments provide a break from the sports talk, focusing on his life and personality, which is a core element of the PMT and *The Yak* brand.

• Cheah 2.0 Comparison: Upon his first days on *The Yak*, Zac was immediately compared to former Barstool employee and fan-favorite, Cheah, due to his initial awkwardness and comedic timing. This comparison established him as a character poised for viral success.
• Personal Life Bits: Content centered around his personal life, such as the segment "We Find Zac A Date," showcases the team's commitment to turning every aspect of their lives into engaging content.
• The “Zac Cooks” Series: Segments like "Zac Cooks Dinner For PMT" highlight his attempts at domestic tasks, often leading to comedic failure and great content, further humanizing him to the audience.
• The Weight Gain Bit: Early in his Barstool career, a running gag revolved around Zac gaining a significant amount of weight shortly after moving to Chicago, a humorous commentary on the Barstool lifestyle.

The Future of Zac Cornelius in the Barstool Universe

As *Pardon My Take* continues to dominate the sports podcast landscape in 2025, Zac Cornelius's role is only becoming more defined and essential. With the departure of other key personnel, such as Jake Marsh in 2024, Zac, alongside Hank and the producers, has stepped up to fill the void, ensuring the show's chemistry remains unmatched.

His strong presence on *The Yak*, which has experienced its own creative resurgence, further diversifies his portfolio within Barstool Sports. Zac Cornelius embodies the modern Barstool employee: a multi-platform contributor who can produce, research, and perform. His journey from an anxious interviewee to a key contributor on a top-tier podcast serves as inspiration for aspiring content creators and guarantees his continued relevance in the ever-evolving world of sports media.

The ability of the PMT crew to integrate internal personalities like Zac into their core content is a key driver of their long-term success and topical authority. Whether he's delivering the news, participating in a ridiculous skit, or simply reacting to the absurdity of Big Cat and PFT, Zac Cornelius remains the quiet, yet crucial, component of the PMT machine.