Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi celebrated his 29th birthday Monday, and it’s a day he’ll never forget.
The Jaguars honored Fatukasi with a post on X/Twitter late Monday morning, a cheerful “Happy birthday, 94!” with a party emoji.
Two hours later, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler interrupted the party with some bad news: “Source: #Jaguars are releasing defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi. The move saves $3.5M on the cap.”
As they say, you can’t make this stuff up.
First, the happy news.
https://twitter.com/Jaguars/status/1764687076337815684
Now, for the not-so-happy news.
Source: #Jaguars are releasing defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi.
The move saves $3.5M on the cap. pic.twitter.com/GMiEuQrUuc
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 4, 2024
At least the Jaguars didn’t delete the birthday post. That would be too cruel.
But it’s a terrible look for the Jaguars, first for releasing Fatukasi on his birthday, and secondly, for the terrible juxtaposition of birthday wishes versus “you’ve been released” news.
As a rule, those making player personnel decisions aren’t looking at player’s birthdates before making a move. Likewise, those with the keys to a team’s social media account generally don’t have insight into personnel decisions (“Is this guy we’re wishing happy birthday going to be released in a couple of hours?”).
So perhaps this situation was unavoidable. The NFL world seemed to think the Jaguars could do better.
how does this happen so often lol
1/365 chance and I've seen a player get cut on thier birthday like a dozen times https://t.co/ob3IBQS4Pz
— just max productions (Hou Chronicle contributor) (@jmproductionsyt) March 4, 2024
Happy birthday, Foley! Oh, you’re fired, BTW. Savage. https://t.co/vaOLqjHHkh
— Justin Barney (@JustinBarneyTV) March 4, 2024
Baalke: Hey can you get me Foley’s number?
Assistant: Oh, are you calling to wish him a happy birthday?
Baalke: What? https://t.co/qjwkkjlmBL— Jonathan Thomas (@StruckUout12) March 4, 2024
The former Jets DT, who turns 29 today, will be looking for a new home. The Jets need a run-stuffing tackle. Interesting. #Jets https://t.co/AoSHVq62AJ
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) March 4, 2024
They are miraculously brain dead on all levels of organizational structure
— Justin (@dtwd00) March 4, 2024
About Arthur Weinstein
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