College Football

‘Great coach, better man’: Missouri players react to Gary Pinkel’s resignation

Players took to Twitter to show their support and respect for Coach Pinkel.

Nov 13, 2015, 10:43 PM UTC

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Missouri head football coach Gary Pinkel announced he will be resigning after the season following a lymphoma diagnosis in May 2015. He’s been with the program since 2001 and helped the team through their transition to the SEC and to two SEC East titles.

The coach had a great relationship with his players at Mizzou, and Tigers of the past and present took to Twitter to show their respect and offer support to Coach Pinkel.

Saddened by the news, but more thankful for this man helping me become a better man today #Mizzou @GaryPinkel pic.twitter.com/cXx2or7O2d
— Henry Josey (@I_AM_HENRYJOSEY) November 13, 2015

He's an obviously a great coach, but he's easily a Better man. I owe a lot to GP and I know he will attack this head on
— Del Excel (@Del_Excel) November 13, 2015

Get well @GaryPinkel, still remember you showing up to the inner city alone, and convincing me to come to a place that I knew nothing about
— Donovan Bonner (@ElTorroOcho) November 13, 2015

Walk the walk like @GaryPinkel does! One of the best human beings I have ever been around! Praying for you and ur family coach!
— Jeremy Maclin (@jmac___19) November 13, 2015

I can't thank @GaryPinkel for what he has done for me as a man. I wish him the best of luck and prayers go out to him. Love you Coach #MIZ
— Robert Luce (@RobertLuce56) November 13, 2015

Can't even begin to express all emotions that I'm going through right now. Coach Pinkel was a father figure to me....I know he will fight!!
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) November 13, 2015

He taught me so much more than just the game of football. Truly one of my mentors both on & off the field. He really lives 4 his players.
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) November 13, 2015

I appreciate everything @GaryPinkel has done for me and the team. Prayers to the best, thanks Coach Pinkel!
— Rod (@Rodimus_48) November 13, 2015

Never thought I would hear such terrible news about coach pinkel. Prayers for him and my Mizzou family
— Shane Ray (@X_RAYted56) November 13, 2015

@GaryPinkel thank you for everything you have done for me. You gave me a family that I so desperately needed and for that I am grateful.
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) November 13, 2015

I'm at a loss for words
— Lucas Vincent (@CoachLVincent) November 13, 2015

Thanks @GaryPinkel for all that you have done for the #Mizzou football family. I speak for a lot of players when I say, you will be missed!
— Kevin Rutland (@K_Rutland22) November 13, 2015

Damn man what a week @GaryPinkel you're in my prayers.
— Bracey (@ManInThaMirror) November 13, 2015

My heart is full of gold because of the family I've grown to know. The Mizzou family. Y'all accepted me for who I was because you all saw the man that I had the potential to be. From a boy to a man but when my time comes I'll die a TIGER! GP you're the GOAT!! You're the best thing to ever happen to Missouri. Thanks for giving me an opportunity to be part of the family. I guess they better start building the statue now because you don't deserve it but you earned it!

A photo posted by L'Damian Washington (@washington2_) on Nov 13, 2015 at 1:39pm PST

My heart is full of gold because of the family I’ve grown to know. The Mizzou family. Y’all accepted me for who I was because you all saw the man that I had the potential to be. From a boy to a man but when my time comes I’ll die a TIGER! GP you’re the GOAT!! You’re the best thing to ever happen to Missouri. Thanks for giving me an opportunity to be part of the family. I guess they better start building the statue now because you don’t deserve it but you earned it!