Farewell My Friend, and Here's to Number 3
by adelfish | 5 years ago | 2 Comments
Farewell My Friend, and Here's to Number 3
I wouldn't do this just for anyone, but on the day of my likely final matchup against Coach Porter, I had to do my 'Farewell Tour' post.
I didn't take notes, or structure this in any particular format, I just wanted to throw some memories and stories at paper in anticipation of our final game.
What do you say? I've known Coach Porter since 2012 when Red Zone started, and some of the best memories are from back then. I was a sophomore in college, and Cave always seemed to be getting a new TV every 3-4 months (the infamous TV that was in his garage that would turn on and off randomly).
Prior to being a commissioner in the early days of Red Zone, I tried every day to make the league better by contributing media and content, and one of the few who joined me in doing this was Cave. The amount of old text messages I have of us (and Silk) planning radio shows and articles is pretty astounding, as this was back when we had no idea what we were doing.
Go back and find an old 'Red Zone Rewind' show with Silk, Cave, and I recording on our fifth free trial of BlogTalkRadio, when we'd talk about Percy Harvin's terrible contract, the eight straight Lefty vs Steve Super Bowl, and more. Back then in the early days, it was much more difficult to put out content like that, and the time we all devoted to the league gave me a tremendous respect for them.
Let's get one thing straight, Cave isn't going anywhere (I hope). He will be around in chat still, working on his hockey career, reviving NCAA, and keeping Spittah in line when RZMLB starts. Doesn't mean I won't feel sad when I don't send him that league invite in August. Knowing someone as well as you do for this long, just gives you that assumption he will always be there.
Some of my favorite memories of Red Zone happened in XBL parties, when it seemed every night we would party up and just talk until 2-3AM. Nothing ever truly important or earth-shattering, but it was some of the biggest laughs I've ever had. I don't say it enough, but I truly treasure some of those memories, and it made those lulling college days in the dead of winter go by a little faster...especially that Glen Davis debate.
I'd be lying if I didn't schedule the final draft of this cycle earlier on a Saturday...nice little sendoff to our first draft ever. Who will forget the 8AM Sunday draft? Legendary.
One thing Cave and I have in common, is we like to pat ourselves on the back (he is more subtle than I am), and that is why we can butt heads. I'm not usually in the business of giving credit, but Red Zone cannot be what it is without him. The amount of rule conversations we've had, the testing we did back in the day, and never being afraid to voice his opinion; all of this has been so important to the evolution of the league and it's rulebook.
Alright, to the on-field stuff. Let's get it out of the way right now. Cave took my lunch money this year, he was dominant. I think I've beaten him four times this cycle (once in the NFC Championship game, thank you very much), and lost double digits. I don't even know what the number is anymore. Do I care? Not really - because the outcome has never determined my enjoyment.
I thought about writing this after Cave and I played just two weeks ago. It was what we like to call a 'must-win' game for the Cardinals, and we hung around all game, until the 49ers did what they do. They never panic, they stayed true to their gameplan, and they pulled away. But man was it fun. A true chessmatch.
In a final season that has genuinely been unenjoyable, that was a bright spot. And it always is. I may complain about that pass rush (which, why shouldn't you? It's a freaking nightmare) but the opportunity to play Cave twice a year has been a very fun challenge. Cave messaged me after our last game and said something that I think rings true for everyone - 'I try my best to make it as fun as possible.'
I write this because losing Cave is more than losing a body, it is losing that mindset. We can never replace that. Despite the head butting over the years and differences on opinion, I'm proud to have known the guy for so long and call him my friend. I cross my fingers for the day he messages me to join back up, and if he doesn't, I'll just be happy to hear from him.
Well, I think I've said all I need to say. This postseason we will be watching from the couch, and we will be wearing our 49ers colors. Doesn't mean that we will lay down for our final matchup today...but we hope to see Coach Porter hoist that trophy for a third time.
Farewell my friend, and here is to number 3!
-Adel