After 39 years on the job, equipment manager Bob Wick was told he was fired Thursday by the Los Angeles Chargers.
Not only is the firing surprising, the team waited until after training camp, after Wick moved himself and his family up to coast to let him go. The Chargers did not give a reason for the firing to several local reporters.
Wick started with the team in 1979 as a ball boy and moved up the ranks to equipment manager in 21 years later, becoming NFL equipment manager of the year in 2009. (Yes, there is apparently an award for that)
Several local media members where dumfounded by the decision, seconded by numerous former Chargers players. NBC San Diego described Wick as “universally liked and respected by Chargers players and coaches.”
Mike Goff, Randy McMichael, Jacob Hester, Eric Weddle, and Antonio Cromartie, all chimed in on Twitter after hearing about Wick’s firing.
I don’t know the reason but am disappointed beyond words that Bob Wick has been released after 38 yrs of service to the Charger organization
— Mike Goff (@mikegoff79) August 24, 2017
This is BS. Wick is a good man https://t.co/lWaX4v21u8
— Randy McMichael (@randymac81) August 24, 2017
What?!? How do you let go of Bob Wick? He is the best dude, and he moved up the Coast already?
— Jacob Hester (@JacobHester22) August 24, 2017
Unreal not Bob the greatest guy ever. Always took care of us. All I can say is Wow
— ANTONIO CROMARTIE (@CRO31) August 24, 2017
(Deadspin)
