This picture was taken in 2018, when Kentucky played UGA for the SEC East title. I’ll never forget it, grown men with tears in their eyes, all of us singing “My Old Kentucky Home” together. It was one of those moments you didn’t think you’d ever see in your lifetime.
That’s what Mark Stoops did for us. He raised the bar. He made us feel relevant, like we could walk onto any field, any Saturday, and believe we had a real shot. Those moments, that feeling, those 10-win seasons, he changed what it meant to be a Kentucky Football fan. He made us believe anything was possible. And in a twist of irony, those higher expectations are part of what eventually cost him his job.
It wasn’t the fairy-tale ending we hoped for, but Mark Stoops proved something bigger: that greatness is possible here. He shifted the mindset of an entire fanbase. And in the end, he handled his exit with grace, negotiating his buyout to ensure the program he had built had the chance for a fresh start instead of staying stuck in purgatory.
Someday soon, Mark Stoops deserves his flowers. Honestly, he probably deserves a statue outside the stadium. That time will come and I hope it does. As we look forward to what’s next, it’s worth taking a moment to be grateful for the good times, the memories, and the belief he gave us.
Thank you, Coach Stoops. 💙🏈 @UKCoachStoops
@CoachCalArk@JohnWall You brought KY back to its rightful place!! Will always be grateful!! Wishing you and your family nothing but the best💙💙@CoachCalArk
The heart and pride has been restored to KY basketball by one man and group of guys that have the hearts of warriors!!!
All I can say is THANK YOU!!!
💙💙💙
A bad finish to a great season, but this season should not be defined by the final game.
For me, this season will be about the dawn of a new era, starting on a Sunday in April with a revival of sorts as Mark Pope was announced as the head coach.
A group of players who had been doubted their whole life, coming from all different backgrounds, came together for something bigger than themselves.
They sacrificed and battled through adversity, far surpassing expectations, while appreciating every moment along the way.
A heck of a season.
@KirkHerbstreit@CollegeGameDay Don’t ever apologize for loving with all your heart.. There is something special about the relationship humans have with their fur babies.. It’s a love like no other.. Thank you for sharing Ben with us🐾🐾💙🙏🏻
@KirkHerbstreit We lost our Lucy girl this year!:(
There isn’t anything else that compares to being loved by a dog💗
May Ben’s memory be bright forever more🐾🐾🐾