Bidding farewell, and thanks
When I first started back in 2008, in my introductory post, I tried to lay out exactly what this blog would be about. But the truth is, I really had no clue. And that was part of the fun.
Bidding farewell, and thanks
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
My phone rang at about 7 p.m. on a Friday evening in late February 2009.
On the line was a reporter from the San Francisco Chronicle, David White. Hours earlier, he reported that Brian Dawkins and the Denver Broncos had agreed to terms on a new contract.
It seemed strange for a San Francisco reporter to be breaking news that mostly involved the Broncos and Eagles, but White, who couldn’t have been nicer, explained to me that he had a rock-solid source. He said he had been receiving angry e-mails from Eagles fans, who were in disbelief that the franchise was letting one of its all-time greats get away.
There have been plenty of memorable moments during the last four years, but that night when I left my then-girlfriend (now-wife) waiting in a Center City restaurant for over an hour while I tracked down the Dawkins reports really stands out.
When I first started back in 2008, in my introductory post, I tried to lay out exactly what this blog would be about. But the truth is, I really had no clue. And that was part of the fun.
I guess that’s a long way of getting to the point here: This will be my final post on MTC.
The Eagles have been a lot of things over the last four years, but boring is not one of them.
There was the final Sunday of the regular season back in 2008 when the Bucs, a 12.5-point favorite, somehow fell to the Raiders to keep the Eagles’ playoff hopes alive.
Easter Sunday, when the Birds dealt Donovan McNabb within their division to the Redskins and moved on to the Kevin Kolb era.
Andy Reid surprising everyone by first signing Michael Vick and then handing him the starting job over Kolb a year later.
And of course, last summer’s spending spree.
There are countless others that have made this job such a blast.
Bill Walsh is known to have said that no football coach should stay in the same place for more than 10 years.
I don’t know what the proper expiration date is for a blogger, but it’s been a great run. I want to thank everyone who has read, commented, e-mailed, Tweeted, etc. You let me know when I was off-base and when I had stumbled upon something worthwhile.
I also have to thank my great colleagues at Philly.com. I was an avid reader of the site before I started working here, and that will continue now that I’m moving on.
So, keep in touch, get ready for training camp, and remember: Never call a run-pass option down by the goal line.
Sheil was the best Eagles analyst on staff. Sad to see him go, although I've long suspected he'd be lured away to greener pastures. He's that good. Can't wait to hear what his plans are, and I look forward to following him wherever he goes....assuming it's a league-wide NFL job and not a job covering another team! Thanks for all the hard work and analysis, Sheil. Good luck!!!— kgall- First time I've ever signed on, but had to do so to give Sheil his "props". I don't really have anything more to add than what has already been said about his attention to detail, and unique insight. Is there anything we can do to keep you around, Sheil? I hope the folks at Philadelphia media Network asked you that when you gave notice.— karlfreds
- Say it aint so! You are the best. I have always looked forward to reading your articles. Your Eagles insight was always the best. Take care and I pray nothing but the best for you.— NC Eagle Fan
- really liked your analytical analysis.
sorry to see you go.— schmidty123 - (RE)Moving the Chains and Man Up were calls for help and we didn't hear you. Gets to me every time I see a good man ruined by that one bad decision. Maybe next time you'll listen to me and get a pre-nup. Sad.— mccloudmj
- I'm bummed for this website, but happy for you. Congrats Sheil! I will miss your articles, and your chat sessions. I will say that I am happy that you aren't going to ESPN. Don't sell out! Take care. Good luck!— Penfold18
- this sucks i only like your columns but good luck man— defroe
- Sheil,
Here's hoping that you land at Philadelphiaeagles.com, that is if they're smart. If not...I know we're not losing an Eagle fan, one's just being displaced....best of luck.
gs— garyshaffer - @mccloudmj-give it a break on the "wife forced her will on him" (to move on from MTC). Do some homework and you'll find that he's staying local yet in a better place. Don't let your past personal relationships "mccloud" your vision on another's decision to better himself. Jeez, man you're so obvious on your dislike for marriage.— vegas_limodriver
- ...told Sheil once that he was the Joe Friday of journalism....."just the facts"....loved every minute of it.
gs— garyshaffer - Best of luck with your new job Sheil!— troke
- Selfishly, I hope you continue writing about the Eagles in some fashion, because you were the best Eagles reporter I had ever seen. Best of luck to you Sheil, I'll keep an eye out for you.— PHLtoLAX
- Your keen insight and analysis will be sorely missed, Sheil. We could always count on you not being a blind homer, and giving us exactly the right information so that we could see what others were trying to obscure. Happy trails, bud!— OhNoSheil
- Will miss your objective and informative reports. Hope your next stop is a higher profile gig continuing to deliver excellent football analysis! Best wishes!— Slidewell
- Really Sheil. Man, I really loved your blog. Why did you not tell us where you are going? Safe Journey and Be Well!— Tozmanian
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