CFT is no more. At least, when it comes to NBC Sports.
The first of last month, I -- this is John Taylor (pictured, catching the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl XXIII) -- began my 12th year with CFT and NBC Sports. This morning, I was informed that my position was being eliminated and I would not be completing that 12th year. Which, of course, meant I wouldn’t be eligible for the traditional 13th-anniversary gift of lace. Which really bummed me out. Because I really like lace.
The jarring phone call was both a slap in the face and a relief. Jarring because, well, it was completely unexpected. Out of the blue, even amidst the pandemic that is wreaking absolute and utter havoc across the country. A relief, on the other hand, because, every single day for the past four months, I woke up wondering if this would be the day I get that call.
Would this be the day? Would this be the day? A question played on an endless loop that just f***s with you mentally, emotionally, physically.
That’s no way to live.
Then again, being job-less is no way to live, either. But, here we are.
So many people I want to thank. First and foremost, Mike Florio and Larry Mazza. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Especially Mr. Mazza on the food front. Hopefully, lunch at Oliverio’s -- best damn stuffed shells I have EVER had -- can still be a thing, Larry.
And so many people that have worked for me. Not to single anyone out, but I’m going to single one out in Ben Kercheval. Ben, non-biological son of Hoppy, you were and continue to be the man. I appreciate you more than you know. Rasheed Wallace may indeed be your biological father, but I will forever consider you my illegitimate Internet stepson.
Mike Miller is the best boss anyone could ever ask for. Hire that man. You can thank me later.
Kevin McGuire, Zach Barnett, Bryan Fischer, I will always treasure what we did, together, these last few years. Things were on the uptick, and it’s sad that we won’t be able to see it through. Together. We should’ve -- SHOULD’VE SHOULD’VE SHOULD’VE -- been given that opportunity. And it will forever piss me off that we weren’t.
Brent and Chris and JJ, much love to you all as well.
Shortly after I received the job call of death, I called my dad. Told him what was going on in his son’s life. After I hung up the phone, he sent me a GIF in a text message a few minutes later. I’ll link it here to end whatever this is, because it’s appropriate. And old school.
And, well... bye.
