The final game in your college career is supposed to be a celebration. It’s supposed to be one final walk through the tunnel, one last ovation, or this case a boo, and a chance to leave it all on the field against your biggest rival.
For Jordan Lovett and Josh Kattus, that moment was stolen by injury.
As Kentucky prepares to limp into the Governor's Cup against Louisville, the buildup feels heavier than usual. The injury report is a mile long, but the permanence of losing two key leaders this week hit Big Blue Nation right in the gut.
Both players took to social media to confirm their Kentucky careers are over, and their messages were everything you’d expect from guys who poured their heart and soul into this program.
Jordan Lovett: The reliable warrior
Lovett has been a rock in the secondary for the Mark Stoops era. With 42 starts, 200 tackles, and 9 interceptions, he leaves Lexington with a résumé that speaks for itself.
His message was raw and heartfelt:
"As the season and time here at Kentucky comes to a halt... This isn’t the way I imagined my season to end but I’m grateful for the trials, tribulations, lessons and blessings throughout… Tough times build strong faith and a harder grind."
Josh Kattus: The unsung hero
Kattus may not have been the flashiest tight end in SEC history, but he was arguably the most complete since CJ Conrad. He blocked like a lineman and caught like a receiver, doing the dirty work that rarely makes the highlight reel. His message also teeming with gratefulness:
"Big Blue Nation, this isn’t how I hoped the season would end. Grateful for the chance to wear this jersey & represent KY... The fans, memories & relationships will stay with me forever."
They will stay with BBN forever too. That is what makes Kentucky so special, once you put on that jersey you are Kentucky for life.
The bottom line
Injuries are part of the game, but they never sit right when they end a career prematurely. Lovett and Kattus deserved a better ending than watching from the sidelines in street clothes.
But while they won't play on Saturday, their impact on the culture of Kentucky football will last far longer than any single game. Thank you, gentlemen.