“Lamar hater gone”: NFL fans react to Longtime NFL columnist Peter King retirement at 44

Peter King has long been a revered figure in the sports journalism circuit. With each article he penned, he continued to leave an indelible mark on the field and set the standard for excellence in reporting and analysis.

King’s influence extends far beyond his own accolades, as he has mentored, inspired, and collaborated with countless emerging talents. His expertise and dedication have shaped the way modern sports journalism is approached. The prominent sports figure has now decided to call his career an end.

Award-winning sports writer Peter King retires at 44

Peter King has bid farewell to a remarkable career in full-time writing at the age of 44. He made the announcement in his latest “Football Morning in America” piece for NBC Sports, marking the end of an era that spanned over several decades.

The veteran has been a prominent figure in sports journalism, leaving an indelible mark by covering 40 Super Bowls and delivering his iconic weekly column. His departure comes with a sense of both nostalgia and anticipation for what lies ahead.

“I’m retiring*. I use an asterisk because I truly don’t know what the future holds for me. I probably will work at something, but as I write this I have no idea what it will be”, King wrote per Sports Yahoo.

Several factors contributed to Peter King’s decision to retire from full-time writing. From waning interest in the day-to-day news cycle to a desire for fresh challenges, he recognized the need for change. He also acknowledged the importance of prioritizing family time and exploring alternative career paths.

The prominent figure expressed optimism about the future of sports journalism, particularly the coverage of the NFL. However, he also voiced concerns about the evolving landscape of the industry by emphasizing the importance of nurturing emerging storytellers. The vet has won the National Sports Media Association’s National Sportswriter of the Year honor for three times.

“I hope the pipeline doesn’t dry up. One fear I have is that enough strong young writers and imaginative media people won’t have the entrée into this business that I had. The business that was once majority reporter has now shifted to majority analyst/opinionista. We need more storytellers to emerge.”

King’s retirement prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow NFL insiders and analysts. Ian Rapoport, Adam Schefter, Tom Pelissero, Louis Reddick, Albert Breer, and others paid homage to his legacy in the sports world.

NFL fans have mix reaction to Peter King’s retirement

Peter King’s retirement from his prominent role as an NFL columnist has stirred a mixed reaction among football enthusiasts. His journey began as a newspaperman at the Cincinnati Enquirer in the 1980s before making a significant move to Sports Illustrated in 1989.

It was there that the veteran initiated his iconic column, initially titled “Monday Morning Quarterback,” in 1997. For many, his Monday column became synonymous with the NFL experience, marking a cherished part of their routine.

A user wrote, “My childhood Sundays.”

A user wrote, “That was good! Will miss Peter King and his voice giving the scoop about the NFL.”

King was known for breaking significant stories. From Brett Favre’s admission to rehab for painkillers in 1996 to revealing the play called “Corn Dog” that secured victory in Super Bowl 58, he used to provide quirky details about controversial incidents. So, not all sentiments were positive.

A fan wrote, “Good. Guy was fucken terrible.”

The analyst’s remarks about the Baltimore Ravens’ MVP winner, Lamar Jackson and the lack of interest from teams during the 2023 offseason also stirred debate.

A fan wrote, “Another Lamar hater gone.”

What’s your take on the storied career of this iconic figure?