Dan Katz, known to fans as “Big Cat,” has roared his way to the forefront of sports media with his sharp wit, unfiltered takes, and infectious charisma. Born on January 30, 1985, this Aquarius trailblazer embodies the irreverent spirit of Barstool Sports. As co-host of Pardon My Take (PMT), alongside PFT Commenter, Dan Katz has built a devoted following of “AWLs” (Award-Winning Listeners) who crave his blend of sports analysis, comedy, and absurd segments. From blogging in Barstool’s early days to commanding a multi-million-dollar media presence, Dan Katz’s journey is one of hustle, humor, and heart.
What makes Dan Katz so special? It’s his ability to connect with fans like a buddy at a sports bar, paired with his knack for turning hot takes into viral moments. Whether dissecting Bears games, joking about his betting streaks, or navigating Barstool’s chaotic growth under Dave Portnoy, Dan Katz remains authentic. As of 2025, with PMT dominating charts and new ventures like FOX Sports partnerships, he’s hinting at focusing solely on podcasting. This article dives deep into the life of Dan Katz, from his Boston-area roots to his Chicago-fueled empire, revealing why Big Cat is a legend in the making.
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Early Life: From East Coast Roots to Chicago Heart
Dan Katz grew up in Newton, Massachusetts, just outside Boston, in a middle-class family with deep ties to Chicago. His early years blended New England grit with a pull toward the Midwest, where relatives in Highland Park, Illinois, and his uncle’s Bulls season tickets sparked a lifelong sports obsession. While he cheered for Boston teams as a kid, his move to Chicago in 2007 cemented his love for the White Sox and Bears, a fandom he wears proudly despite occasional “Mass Cat” jabs from fans questioning his Chicago authenticity.
At Newton North High School, Dan Katz dabbled in sports, though he humorously admits to retiring his athletic dreams by middle school. His quick wit, honed in teenage debates, laid the groundwork for his media persona. In 2003, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree. College life in the Big Ten fueled his sports passion, immersing him in a culture of tailgates and rivalries that shaped his future content.
Post-graduation, Dan Katz settled in Chicago, working in real estate to pay the bills. But his heart was in sports banter, shared via Twitter with athletes and media figures. This hustle caught Barstool Sports’ eye in 2012, pulling him from a stable job into the wild world of digital media. His family, though private, remains a cornerstone—his parents’ Chicago connections and sports love gave him roots, while his move westward gave him wings.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthdate | January 30, 1985 |
| Birthplace | Newton, MA (Boston area) |
| Family Ties | Strong Chicago connections; relatives in Highland Park, IL |
| Education | University of Wisconsin-Madison, Bachelor’s (2007) |
| Early Career | Real estate in Chicago before joining Barstool in 2012 |
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Entering the Barstool Universe: From Blogger to Barstool Bigwig
In 2012, Dan Katz ditched real estate to join Barstool Sports, then a scrappy Boston-based blog founded by Dave Portnoy. As a Chicago contributor, his sharp, sarcastic posts about sports and pop culture resonated with fans tired of polished media. His Twitter banter with pros and insiders helped him carve a niche, building “Barstool Chicago” into a regional powerhouse with videos, blogs, and live rundowns.
By 2016, as Barstool moved to New York amid a Penn National acquisition, Dan Katz’s role grew. He wrote for shows like The Barstool Rundown: Live from Houston and guested on The Ryen Russillo Show, proving his versatility. TV appearances followed—SportsCenter, Pro Football Talk Live, even ABC News Nightline—blending digital edge with broadcast polish. His Barstool shares netted $7 million in a 2020 Penn deal, a testament to his stake in the company’s rise.
As Barstool returned to Chicago in 2023, Dan Katz took on managerial duties, mentoring interns and steering operations. He also gave back, donating $15,000 to PAWS Chicago in 2023 for animal welfare, hinting at a softer side. Despite Barstool’s bro-culture controversies, Dan Katz’s humor and leadership made him a Portnoy confidant. By 2025, he’s hinted at scaling back to focus on podcasting, a move that reflects his love for the mic over the grind.
| Milestone | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Joined Barstool | 2012 | Left real estate for blogging |
| NYC Relocation | 2016 | Grew role during Penn acquisition |
| Penn Payout | 2020 | $7M from Barstool shares |
| Chicago Return | 2023 | Led operations, focused on PMT |
| FOX Partnership | 2025 | Appeared on Big Noon Kickoff |
Pardon My Take: The Crown Jewel of Dan Katz’s Empire
Pardon My Take (PMT), launched on February 29, 2016, is Dan Katz’s masterpiece. Co-hosted with PFT Commenter (Eric Sollenberger), the podcast was born from their Twitter chemistry, mocking ESPN’s First Take with a satirical name and logo that sparked a cease-and-desist—and instant fame. Hitting #1 on iTunes within days, PMT’s three weekly episodes (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) deliver 90-120 minutes of sports recaps, A-list interviews, and absurd segments like “Hot Seat/Cool Throne” or “Mount Flushmore.”
Dan Katz plays the grounded foil to PFT’s wild energy, dishing deadpan humor, betting insights (boasting a 16-0 streak in 2025), and quirky guest questions. The supporting cast—Hank Lockwood, Billy Football, and others—adds chaos, though changes like Jake Marsh’s 2024 exit keep things fresh. PMT’s accolades include Apple’s 2016 top podcast nod and 1M+ downloads per episode by 2018, ranking it 14th overall on iTunes. The “Takies” awards celebrate fans with categories like “Blake of the Year,” while guests like Blake Bortles and Scott Van Pelt draw crowds.
Pandemic pivots—D&D campaigns, movie reviews—kept PMT relevant, and 2025 sees it dominating Spotify and Apple. Live tours sell out, merch flies, and FOX integrations bring Big Cat to mainstream TV. Despite controversies like lottery rigging jabs or bro-vibe critiques, PMT’s $27M annual revenue underscores its power. For Dan Katz, it’s a labor of love he’d do for free, and his 2025 focus shift proves it.
| Segment | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Seat/Cool Throne | Debates rising/falling figures | Weekly staple |
| Mount Flushmore | Personal “best-of” lists | Popular during pandemic |
| Takies Awards | Fan-voted honors | Annual since 2016 |
| D&D Campaign | Role-playing adventures | Launched May 2020 |
| Who’s Back of the Week | Comeback highlights | Fan-favorite comedy |
PMT’s magic lies in its range—sports to pop culture, serious to silly. Dan Katz’s ability to riff on a Bears loss or a Netflix doc makes it universally appealing. Live shows pack arenas, and the podcast’s anti-corporate vibe keeps it authentic, cementing Dan Katz as a podcasting titan.
Other Ventures and Contributions: Beyond the Podcast
Dan Katz’s influence extends past PMT. He co-hosted Barstool Van Talk on ESPN2 (canceled after one episode due to backlash) and The Corp with Alex Rodriguez, diving into business and sports. His @BarstoolBigCat X account dishes betting tips and roasts, while TikTok clips amplify his reach. Daily routines—coffee, work, parenting, late-night bets—humanize him to fans.
His philanthropy, like $15,000 to PAWS Chicago, shows heart. As a Barstool higher-up, he mentors talent and shapes Chicago’s content hub, earning “40 under 40” nods in sports media. Rumors of side ventures persist, but Dan Katz keeps details tight, prioritizing PMT and family over new hustles.
| Contribution Area | Examples |
|---|---|
| TV Appearances | SportsCenter, Pro Football Talk |
| Philanthropy | $15K to PAWS Chicago (2023) |
| Social Media | @BarstoolBigCat on X, TikTok |
| Other Podcasts | The Corp with Alex Rodriguez |
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Personal Life: The Private Side of Big Cat
Dan Katz keeps his personal life low-key, a stark contrast to his loud Barstool persona. Married to Stephanie Maloney Katz, a law practitioner nicknamed “Lady Cat,” since 2016, they have three kids—two sons and a daughter, starting around 2019. A pet dog completes their Chicago home, where they settled after Barstool’s 2023 return. Dan Katz rarely shares family details on air, shielding them from fame’s glare.
His daily life balances dad duties with PMT recordings and sports betting, a routine he jokes about on X. Past relationships stay out of the spotlight, and he shuts down gossip with humor, keeping focus on his work and family.
| Family Member | Relation | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Stephanie Maloney Katz | Wife | Married 2016; law practitioner |
| Children | Three (two sons, one daughter) | Born starting ~2019; kept private |
| Pet | Dog | Part of family life |
Controversies and the Divisive Edge
Dan Katz’s bold style courts controversy. In 2017, ESPN’s Sam Ponder called out Barstool’s “boys club” during Van Talk drama. A 2023 Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce jest and 2025 apologies for downplaying a staffer’s complaint stirred backlash. His Boston roots, revealed as “Mass Cat,” sparked authenticity debates among Chicago fans. Yet, Dan Katz leans into the chaos, using criticism as content fuel while staying true to his unfiltered voice.
Net Worth and Achievements in 2025
In 2025, Dan Katz’s net worth is estimated at $10 million, driven by PMT’s $175K-per-episode earnings, Barstool shares, and endorsements. Achievements include PMT’s #1 ranking, “40 under 40” honors, and FOX Sports appearances, solidifying his media dominance.
| Income Source | Estimated Contribution |
|---|---|
| Podcasting (PMT) | 50% |
| Barstool Salary/Shares | 30% |
| TV/Endorsements | 15% |
| Other Ventures | 5% |
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Conclusion
Dan Katz, aka Big Cat, has transformed from a Boston kid with a sports obsession to a Chicago-based media mogul. Through Barstool’s wild ride and PMT’s chart-topping success, he’s redefined sports commentary with humor and authenticity. Balancing family, philanthropy, and fame, Dan Katz’s story inspires creators to stay true to their voice. As he eyes a podcast-focused future, Big Cat’s legacy as a fan’s fan endures.
FAQs
Who is Dan Katz?
Dan Katz, aka Big Cat, is a Barstool Sports personality and co-host of the top-ranked Pardon My Take podcast.
What is Dan Katz’s net worth in 2025?
Estimated at $10 million, from podcasting, Barstool equity, and media deals.
Who is Dan Katz’s wife?
Stephanie Maloney Katz, married since 2016, a law practitioner; they keep private.
What is Pardon My Take?
A comedic sports podcast hosted by Dan Katz and PFT Commenter, known for satire, guests, and fan-favorite segments.
Where did Dan Katz grow up?
Born near Boston, MA, with Chicago family ties; relocated to Chicago