Some News…
After six years covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I’m stepping away.
This decision didn’t come easy. I’ve poured nearly everything I have into this beat, and for a long time it felt sustainable. The honest truth is I’ve been struggling with my mental health and that has to come first right now, and unfortunately I’ve reached a point where I can no longer ignore that.
This job has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Six years of press boxes, locker rooms, training camp battles, draft coverage, and late nights breaking news for one of the most passionate fanbases in the league.
As lifelong Patriots fan getting to cover Tom Brady’s final seasons still doesn’t feel real. I don’t think I’ll ever fully put into words what it was like to watch the greatest of all time up close. That’s something I’ll talk about for the rest of my life.
Bucs Nation, the Krewe! You all made every single minute worth it. You accepted an outsider with mostly open arms. You didn’t have to but you did. The relationships built covering this team, with players, coaches, fellow media, and all of you, are ones I’ll carry forever. Without you there is no JC Allen.
But I feel like I need to be honest about what’s been happening behind the scenes. I’m sure some of you have noticed I haven’t been as active on here and some have even reached out. Thank you. Unfortunately, beat coverage was never my only responsibility. I’ve been juggling this with a full time job, coaching youth football, and trying to show up for my family the way they deserve. For a long time I convinced myself I could handle all of it. The truth is, I can’t. At least not at this time.
Too many people in this industry suffer in silence. The grind is real and the pressure is real. You’ve seen the mass layoffs. At some point you have to look yourself in the mirror and make the hard call. This is mine.
I’m not disappearing completely, but I’m choosing to focus on myself for a little while, something I probably should have done sooner. I’m not sure how active I’ll be in the immediate future and I’m not sure when or if I’ll be back, but right now I need to reset, and get myself right.
Six years ago I just kind of landed in this business not knowing what to expect and to be honest it was even more than I could’ve imagined. I’ve gotten to watch some of the best football I’ve ever seen, made some amazing friends and connections, and wouldn’t trade a single second of it.
Thank you for everything, Bucs Nation. Raise the Flags. Go Bucs🏴☠️
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