Dark, cloudy, rainy. The day was dreary as four Cardinals — Zaven Collins, Denzel Burke, Budda Baker, and Trey McBride — played a round at the famous TPC Scottsdale golf course during the annual Waste Management Media Appreciation Golf Day.
The weather wasn’t the best, and it matched the mood following the firing of coach Jonathan Gannon.
“I was pretty surprised,” Collins said of the team’s coaching change. “Everyone loves JG from top to bottom, but those conversations that are had, we have no idea of, and it’s always a surprise when something like that happens, especially because so many guys love him. He definitely did good things for this organization. We as players, we’ve just got to get it done on the field.”
Gannon had an opportunity to address the team and inform them of his dismissal on Monday morning. “All the different emotions were in that room,” McBride said.
But the players knew they now have to help the team move forward during the transition.
“Being a leader is a year-round thing,” McBride said. “I think it’s one of those things where this is a time of uncertainty and to make sure the whole team is ready to go when the new head coach is here.”
Whoever the next head coach is will take over a roster with talent at key positions. A historic season solidified McBride’s place as the best tight end in the league. A budding wide receiver duo of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, coupled together with another Pro Bowl nod for Baker and a 12-sack season for Josh Sweat.
Yet the next head coach will have areas that will need to be addressed.
“It ain’t a good feeling, especially when I see how hard these (teammates) work,” Sweat said following the game against the Rams. “I always got something to fight for whether it’s win, lose, or draw, because I’m just trying to (expletive) make whatever happen and however I can help.”
