Thank You, John

It’s obvious you’ll be hugely successful wherever you go, and I’m devastated you’re leaving

Thanks so much for all the time and effort you put into Field Gulls, John. Seattle sports fans have been spoiled because of great local bloggers like yourself.

I hope you resurface with that “general NFL talk” blog you had discussed two months ago.

Maybe the Steelers losing the Super Bowl as your final post was the best possible ending next to the Seahawks winning the SB.

JOHN!

Doing this via only the written word and pictures is no small feat given the nature of 22 men moving all over a large field.
Your work has greatly broadened my field of view in all things football. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.

This has been my first stop on the internet for a few years now, very sad to see John go. You have made me a smarter fan, thank you!

Hopefully we will be able to read more of your work shortly, through whatever medium on whatever subject.

Not that I’m trying to sound like a jilted girlfriend or anything like that…

Best damn blog I ever had.

Thank you, John, for everything.

I guess it’s hunting time for a new Seahawks blog/forum/whatever.

John has spoiled us with so much content and in-depth analysis. Along the way, he managed to make us all more informed fans and, I don’t think it’s going too far to say, people more informed about life. Just as fans have an irrational connection to players, we all had the same kind of connection to his writing.

Your work will be missed around here, JM.

You helped me to become a smarter fan. You made the bad times better and the good times greater. You are one of a kind and easily the best football analyst I’ve ever come across. Best of luck in your future endeavors.

I’ve got about a million different things running through my mind but the most important is this: Thank you, John, from the very bottom of my Seahawk blue heart!!

The past two years I’ve used johns writing as a measuring stick of excellence for seahawks analysis. Where do we go from here? You owe this community nothing John, but I will surely be more lost without your posts.

Your analysis, your writing and your passion have made this blog one of my favorite internet homes. While I greatly value the FG community and know that it will continue, I can’t help but be saddened to think of that community’s collective loss. Someone will take up the mantle, but your voice won’t be replaced. Keep writing and keep cheering. All the best to you and Alanya.

I know John and I disagree often, but he was a great mod and a amazing contributor. His posts were both entertaining, in depth and well researched for both the die-hard seahawks fan and others alike.

It’s been a great year for the Hawks, and I would say alot if this would be due to your posts. Best of luck in the future, and to echo what everyonehas already said, thank you.

Is it okay to be in denial that this is happening? This is like showing up to the Super Bowl only to find out Jerry Jones fucked you out of your seats – only permanent. Fuck. Fuck!

If not at SBN, I’d love to follow any blog, website, or printed publication of more Seahawk writing by John Morgan. Best there ever was.

Your ability to be passionate, rational, and articulate about a season in turmoil was invaluable to my own sanity.

I sincerely wish the best for you and your family, and hope that we’ll be seeing your writing in a national forum again soon!

More Scruffy Lefty would be a good thing.

We’ve all been very lucky to have you running fieldgulls.

And best of luck to you in the future, wherever and whatever that may be

I hope this exit has more to do with what seemed like a burgeoning desire to expand your horizons, and less to do with family emergencies.

I often find myself questioning why I care so much about sports… reading any of your work alleviated my concerns with regularity.

You have true talent.

If you write it, I will read it so let us know where you end up friend.

That was a dark time in my life.

Thanks for the great analysis and perspective. I wish you the best in whatever you choose to do next.

..Stay gold.

But at the same time, best of luck in what you’re moving onto, hopefully something involving writing because you’re damn good at it. More books please.

Your awesome posts, constant dedication, and putting up with the kind of shenanigans we do on this site. Loved your book, and I’m hoping it isn’t your last.

You’re too good of a writer to let your voice go silent. I hope you’re moving on to bigger and better things — no matter where you physically end up — because, even in this internet age where everyone can say whatever they want, there is a dearth of quality writing.

Thank you John; we are all smarter football fans because of you.

I just spent 5 minutes outside trying to steal some free wi fi to upload john’s latest post on my terrible I-phone. Unfortunately, that has been the only way I could get Internet this season, reducing me to lurked status. But I don’tind spending another 30 out here to say thank you, John. You have positively changed my Seahawks fandom and only deepend my fandom. Thank you for making me a better fan. I wish you the best..

Only football writing I needed.

I have never seen anyone put so much effort and detail into many of your posts. I looked forward to each one, learning and growing as a football fan beyond the raa raas and swearing. Best of luck to you and your future endeavors.

that Matt Hasselbeck out-stayed the elite John Morgan. I wanted you hear for our QB of the future John. I wanted to hear and see your child-like excitement over Locker/Kolb/who-the-heck-ever winning game after game and doing it through his own merits and not the failures of his opponents. It won’t be the same at all without you.

As someone who checks FG several times a day (as I’m sure many of us do) in order to see what John’s got to say, this has me incredibly bummed. So sudden. I love the work you’ve done, JM. You are a truly gifted writer and a true blue Hawks fan. There goes the internet.

I hope that your leaving FG has something to do with a meteoric rise I believe your talent deserves. Thank you.

What am I going to do at work? My pessimistic spherical robot cat avatar can’t even think about cheezburgers right now.

With you gone my internet time will revert back to 100% porn. Jokes aside, GOOD LUCK JOHN!

When I should be thanking the dirth of writing talent and passion on this blog, which has turned me from balls-out emotional caveman football fan to a more humble, silver-lining finding, smarter, balls-out football fan. I have truley learned how to enjoy the game more because of you, mr. Morgan, and though your content may leave this site, the knowledge you have provided, along with quality commentary, is here to stay.

As an NFL fan in Ireland, you’ve taught me so much about the little details and intricacies of the game. I appreciate the game so much more because of it. Good luck in the future.

Thanks John.

Whatever you may pursue, may you find happiness in the path you walk.

Go get em John

The petition would be for the Seahawks to hire John Morgan as a writer much like they did to the PI staff. I am not sure I can handle life without John Morgan. He made me love the Seahawks even more and oddly even more rationally. Thank you John. Let’s start a petition!

That means one less adversary for WC to argue with.. Which is surprisingly a bad thing now…

However, there was no doubt about his passion and his desire to get his viewpoint across. All marks of a great writer. Wish him well in whatever he does. I’m also looking forward to increased variety and analysis here at Field Gulls.

Thanks for everything JohnnyMo.

The name, not the site and community. Retire it and hang it on the wall, because this will not remotely be the same place. Good luck John.

Have we not seen the demise? Our great blogger, possibly the best covering the Seahawks, has shown signs of frustration over the past few years, reflecting the mood of the downfall of our once-great team. He has single-handedly carried our fandom and inevitable optimism to keep us coming back for more. Did we have a succession plan? No. We haven’t drafted our next stud-blogger, and now we will sail through the offseason like a boat with no rudder. Let’s hope the actual Seahawks pick up the slack and show some direction for our team.

By the way, Brian L and Scruffy, this is no knock on you, your content rivals that of any other SBNation site as it is. Keep up the good work.

Hands down, you have been one of my favorite bloggers and I thoroughly enjoyed each and every post you wrote. You have a remarkable gift in being able to express the thoughts of yourself as well as relay the thoughts of the fans in regards to all happenings Seahawks related. I’ll never know if I will ever have the opportunity to read the work of another who expresses his point of view pertaining to football (or sports in general) as eloquently, real, and thorough as you have. But in any event, I am thankful for the privilege to have been able to read your work. Good luck to you wherever you may go.

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John, you made this my number one Seahawks/football site. Thanks and best of luck with whatever you’ll be getting into…

You a truly talented writer good luck man.

You validated my insanity for this team in some way. Thank you for enriching my understanding of this game and through that, enriching my experience as a fan. As so many others have said already, this is a daily stop for me (still will be) and I will really miss your one-of-a-kind insight into my beloved ’Hawks.
Thank You John and best of luck in everything you do.

Aaron

Thank you so much for all your hard work over the years. I always enjoyed your writing not only because it was excellent and brilliantly detailed, but most of all because it came from the heart of a true fan. I’m sad to see you leave here, but I hope successful in whatever you go no to pursue from here on out and promise to read anything else you write!

I was about to write you guys on here or on twitter, to tell him he was one of the best writers I have seen. Now I won’t get a chance but good luck to him and you guys, even though you guys hurt my feelings week 17 by ruining my first in person NFL game.

John,

My off season just won’t be the same………….Good luck in your future endeavors!!

After the season – it was clear to me that our team is seriously flawed – in way too many ways for one draft or one “key” addition to make much of an impact. We’ve a 200 year old, brittle, unmovable, QB – and he may well be the best player at his position on the team. There is lots of effort and heart – just not enough skill and too many that have skill are in the wrong position or scheme.

How do I know this? John explained it to me. I’m depressed – I’m sure John is too. I can well understand John not wanting to spend the time and emotional energy necessary to continue the fantastic work he’s done here (and don’t kid yourselves – it’s freakin work!) – when the way forward looks so long and tedious.

John, you’ve done absolutely brilliant work. If you ever need a reference – give me a call. You will never be a failure at anything – you’ve too much integrity, skill, ability and a very high work ethic. You are much missed already – as time passes you’ll be missed more. Basically – you can’t be replaced – the very best to you John in what ever you attempt – I’m sure you’ll succeed – wish I could say the same for our beloved Seahawks!

Thank you for your contributions toward many of our football knowledge and enjoyment.

I remember back in the day when I would visit at least 6 sites in a row to quench my thirst for any Seahawks analysis and spend hours reading half-hearted, ill-informed and questionable sports writers butcher my favorite team.

http://www.fieldgulls.com/2008/6/30/562011/who-is-courtney-taylor

That was the first post I ever read at Field Gulls, and re-reading it now almost brings a tear to my eye because I feel something very close to me is being torn away. I’ve visited this website almost daily (not necessarily once a day) since Googling Courtney Taylor after I wasn’t satisfied with the content that NFL.com, ESPN.com (w/ Insider), Mike Sando, Eric Williams or any other Seattle beat writer for that matter were giving me. I feel like I’m breaking up with a long-term girlfriend that meant everything to me but I was only holding her back. John, all the best in your future endeavors and I truly believe you’re destined for something great. Thank you for your insight, passion, personality and above all time…..and on that note I’m off to buy your book

Thank you John. Please don’t disappear. Peace to you and your family.

Please, please, please, please, please tell us if your writing will be available elsewhere. Your material is some of the most brilliant, humorous, and poignant I have ever had the privilege of reading. That being said, if you do continue to write (and goodness I hope you do), please let us know where we can find it.

You will be sorely missed.

Sincerely,
Cameron

P.S.
If you and your wife have eloped with Nick Reed, we all understand.

I’ve been a lurker on this site for about 3 years and started commenting this past year. This is the only Seahawks related site I go to and it’s because of the community, the dedication, and the content that is regurlarly posted. I’m making a point of going out and buying your book, because I feel like I’ve been spoiled with your writing. Now that I know I won’t be reading it on Fieldgulls, but hope to see it somewhere else, I can now read your book and get more JM insight!! Anyways, thanks for everything you’ve done with this community. You have really made me a more knowledgeable, intelligent Seahawk fan and an overall football lover. I definitely understand the game better and can now help people out on what really goes on in a game besides big men throwing and catching a ball. This isn’t just any old Seahawk fan website and that’s because of you. I hope to see you commenting on here still and making an appearnace here and there with your respected input.

Aside from his unrivaled dedication to in-depth analysis I’m really going to miss John’s writing style. I sincerely hope to read him again…somewhere…anywhere.

Thank you!

A couple months ago, in the middle of the night, John posted a long angsty, almost embarrassingly personal, post filled with self doubt about his ability to keep writing about the Seahawks.

I don’t remember all of the details of his post. I do remember posting a fairly lengthy rebuttal suggesting that he reinvent his approach to writing about the Seahawks: maybe go to a game and file a gonzo style profile of the Qwest milleu interspersed with some nuts and bolts football analysis. The gist of what I was suggesting is maybe he should get off the couch and the tape analysis and approach the game from another angle to keep it fresh and keep himself motivated.

I don’t remember all the details of my post either. When I checked the next day to see what other comments had been posted the whole thing had been deleted. His post. My post. All gone. John was a heart on the sleeve writer. But this was all probably too much even for him.

On one had, I can’t blame him: the Seahawks are a fairly limiting topic and they’re likely going to be in a reasonably lengthy cycle of mediocrity: a contender in a weak division that gets clobbered by good teams and cycles through unimpressive quarterbacks and a few years finishing between 5-11 and 9-7. Months of offseason filler: the mock draft circle jerk, 24 hour combine coverage on NFL network, etc.

On the other hand, fucker was getting paid to write about the Seattle Seahawks. As jobs go, a pretty damn good one: working from home; alot of editorial freedom; a good chunk of a work day spent watching football

I hope for the best for the guy. I’m concerned that he’ll find after spending another couple years doing whatever he ends up doing that every job has its compromises, that you have to deal with assholes sometimes, that one factor or another is preventing him from being the artiste of his dreams. Maybe he’ll get to write about the whole NFL and not just the Seahawks. Maybe he’ll move onto writing about something completely different. But he might also find himself working for a butcher of an editor: slashing microbrew tangents and Malkmus references from the work and realize that he actually had it pretty damn good over at the limiting and unfortunately named Fieldgulls because editorial freedom is fucking precious in this world.

By the way, I’m somewhat qualified to write about this myself. I finished journalism school in the early 90s. I was considered, by my peers and profs, among the best pure writers in my year. I could turn a fucking phrase in my day. But I walked away from free concerts, CDs and press kits as the school paper’s music writer over a dispute over the word length of my ‘In Utero’ review (there’s a little Seattle content for ya). The new music editor imposed a 50 word limit, down from 250, on all CD reviews. I said that was fine, even though I didn’t like it, but argued strongly that an exception should be made for ‘In Utero’. I said this is the most important record of the year that deserves a 1000 word write up. He wouldn’t budge. I handed in a 50 word review and resigned. I never wrote about music again and am left with alot of what-ifs as I sit in my office cranking out cookie cutter fundraising appeals for non-profits — my post j-school career. It’s worthy work. I can sleep at night knowing I am contributing something positive to world. But I ain’t exactly living my dream either.

Thanks for the years, John :)

It was not unappreciated. This had become an almost daily stop for me and you were the reason for it. Best of luck in whatever’s next, rest assured you will be greatly missed here.