Farewell to Jon Beason

[Zod]

A few months back, before training camp started, I did a commercial photo shoot for RSP Nutrition that featured Jon Beason in product placement shots. Jon arrived with a friendly smile and handshake. He looked liked the Jon Beason of old. But did he feel like he Jon Beason of old? I have had a few photo shoots with Jon among other social interactions. I'd consider him more of a friend than an acquaintance.

"How ya feeling Jon" I asked, expecting his usual upbeat "ready to go" or "getting better every day". If Beason is anything, its an optimist.

Instead he replied with a "We'll see" with a hint of unsureness. I knew then something was up.

Since then, Jon Beason has worked through the pain of micro fracture surgery. He already has done what most people could not do in making it back to the NFL playing field. Motivation has never been a problem with Jon.

Last night's trade announcement, while heartbreaking for Panthers fans, is probably the best thing for all parties involved.

Once his salary was restructured to allow Beason to become a Free Agent at the end of the 2013 season, I knew this would be his last season as a Panther. Beason is a middle linebacker, and a good one at that. With the rise of Luke Kuechly as the best MLB in the game, Beason staying in Carolina would mean he would not be in a situation to be the very best football player he can be. If you know Jon Beason at all, you know that fact would not sit well with him.

The New York Giants give Beason a real opportunity to get his career back on the middle track it needs to be on.

In return, the New York Giants get a linebacker with tremendous leadership, work ethic, and a willingness to play through pain.

The Panthers gain a late round draft pick. In a 2014 draft that will be heavy in offensive line for the Panthers, that is nothing to laugh at. Considering starting right tackle Byron Bell was never even drafted, a seventh round offensive line gem of a pick is not too hard to imagine.

Win - Win - Win

Will there be a leadership void left on the defense? You bet. But with Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly on the team, it won't take long for it to be filled.

All in all, we should all be grateful to Jon for the good memories he provided over the years in a Panthers uniform.

I know I'll be pulling for 52 in New York, and so should you.

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[Udogg]

Church. 

[Cynonyte]

happy and sad!!!   

[xerxes]

I'm glad we traded him after we played the Giants, and I hope the Beast proves all the doubters wrong.

Good luck Jon.

[KillerKat]

I'm not going to lie. I'm going to miss him.

 

He was one of my favorite Panthers hands down. I got a black #52 jersey in my closet right now. Hope he finds success in New York at his original position in which he dominated. Good luck Beason.

[Kuech the Sneak]

Love Beas and I'm gonna miss him, was never the same after those injuries.

[0115]

one of the reasons to make me depressed... damn

[rayzor]

bittersweet moment.

[WadeWilson]

Gutted...but glad he has his chance to play the Mike again and get back on track if his body will let him.

 

G'luck Beast!

[jtm]

Thank you Jon, you are a class act and will be missed. I wish him the very best.

[d-dave]

This is one of those painful break ups where we'll all be better once its done.  Beason is a tremendous human being in most ways (I don't know him, but from what I've read).  I hate that injuries derailed his career here, but it's not fair to keep him from restarting his career.  I wish him the absolute best of luck and good health.  I'd love to see him get back to his high level of play, but who knows if that's going to happen at this point in his career considering how devastating micro fractures are.

 

On a business end of things, I'm glad we got something.  Who knows what coulda/woulda happened if he'd played out the season.  He might have retired, or never become an impact player again, which would have netted us nothing in return.  

[SpeedOFLight]

I will start off by saying that I was shocked when I found out he got traded. It was sudden and many wasn't expecting it. I am torn with this decision but this might be for the best for all parties involved. It is obvious that Luke has the middle locked down and knowing that Beason is a true mlb, it may have been hard for him to adjust to another position. At least, in NY, he will get his position back and have a chance to kick start his career here. His leader, passion and friendly attitude will definitely be missed in the Carolinas. I will definitely be rooting for him to get back to old form or even better.

[SuperJTheGreat]

Meh, I felt worse after Pep left.

[CatMan72]

Sorry to see him go, but it is in every bodies best interest... I'll always be a 52 fan.