Kentucky fan favorites heartbroken after Mark Stoops firing

The Mark Stoops era in Lexington is over, and while the fanbase debates the future, the players who built that era on the field are grieving the past.

For 13 seasons, Stoops was the face of Kentucky football. He oversaw the historic highs, breaking the Florida streak, two Citrus Bowl wins(we count the vacated one), and 10-win seasons, and the recent lows. But for the players who strapped on the helmet for him, the business of college football feels a lot more personal today.

In the hours following the announcement of Stoops' firing, social media was flooded with reactions from former Wildcats. The overwhelming sentiment was fierce loyalty to the man who gave them a chance, mixed with the heavy realization that a new chapter for their alma mater is beginning.

You changed my life

For running back Ray Davis, who electrified Kroger Field in his lone season as a Wildcat, the news hit hard. Davis credited Stoops with seeing his potential when others looked away.

"Love you Coach Stoops. You changed my life and believed in me when others didn’t," Davis posted.

That sentiment was echoed by Kash Daniel, the Paintsville native who became the emotional heartbeat of Stoops' defense. For Daniel, playing for Stoops wasn't just about football; it was about state pride.

"You gave me the opportunity to play for my home state, and it was the greatest honor of my life," Daniel wrote. "Creating memories and friendships that I’ll never forget. Thank you for everything, Coach."

Heartbreak among legends

Lynn Bowden Jr., perhaps the most dynamic player of the Stoops era, didn't need many words to express his feelings. The Paul Hornung Award winner simply posted a broken heart emoji, a silent testament to the bond he shared with his former head coach.

Even players from the very beginning of Stoops' tenure weighed in. Jeff Badet, a member of Stoops' first recruiting class, called him the "GOAT" of Kentucky football.

"Got us to believe in changing the program and we did just that," Badet said. "You will be missed by your players. One of my favorite coaches of all time."

A complicated loyalty for Kentucky football players

The reaction from these players underscores a unique tension within Big Blue Nation right now. Just as Calipari's players remained loyal to him after his exit, Stoops' guys are sticking by their coach. They bled blue for the University, but they played for Mark Stoops.

Jacob Tamme, a UK legend and member of the Champions Blue board, perhaps summed it up best. He acknowledged the necessity of the move while paying respect to what Stoops built.

"Mark Stoops reset the culture of Kentucky football," Tamme wrote. "I’ll remember his era as one defined by competitiveness and genuine excitement... But for Kentucky football to take the next step, it’s time for the next chapter."

Kentucky greats speak on the Mark Stoops exit

We can't share them all, but below are just a few of the send-offs Mark Stoops is getting after being fired from Kentucky

For the fans, the page has turned. But for the players who lived it, the Mark Stoops era will always be the time they changed the culture.