A Different Side of Ryan Day: A Personal Encounter
Behind the Scenes of a Chance Meeting
The man in the gif may appear to be a fun-loving and cordial guy, but I’m about to share a story that reveals a different side of Ryan Day. This account is not intended to diminish his accomplishments as a coach, including his national championship win. However, it’s essential to share this experience to provide a more nuanced understanding of his character.
A Tweet that Sparked a Memory
During a recent game, I tweeted about an interaction that has stuck with me. Some might dismiss it as insignificant, but for me, it’s a memory that refuses to fade.
A Backstory: How I Met Ryan Day
To understand the context, let me take you back to my friendship with Ryan Carty, the current head coach at Delaware. Before his current role, he was the OC at UNH, where Ryan Day played and coached under Chip Kelly. I had the privilege of officiating Ryan Carty’s wedding, and his wife is an amazing person who bakes themed cupcakes for the team every game.
One year, after a UNH win, we celebrated at a bar in Portsmouth, where I met Chip Kelly. We had a fantastic time discussing football over beers. Chip was an incredible guy, and his friend Chrissy O was a delight to be around.
Fast forward to the next year, and I’m back at UNH for another game. Chip Kelly happened to be visiting again, and we had an amazing time hanging out with the coaches. What struck me was how Chip remembered me and took the time to catch up. It’s a small act, but it speaks volumes about his character.
The Encounter with Ryan Day
Now, let’s get to the point of this story. In 2021, I was at Saratoga with friends, courtesy of Dave Portnoy. We spotted Chip Kelly in the winner’s circle and decided to join him for a beer. Chrissy O invited us to meet up, and we ended up at a table with Chip, Coach Mac, Chrissy O, and Ryan Day.
The atmosphere was welcoming, and we felt like old friends. However, when it was my turn to order drinks, Ryan Day didn’t even acknowledge me. He didn’t say thank you or look up from his program. It was a stark contrast to the warm hospitality of the other coaches.
A Lesson in Manners
Ryan Day’s behavior may seem insignificant, but it highlights a fundamental lack of courtesy. When someone does something for you, a simple “thank you” is the least you can offer. It’s not about the money or the status; it’s about basic human decency.
I’m willing to give Ryan Day the benefit of the doubt, perhaps he was having a bad day. If he’s willing to apologize, I’ll accept it and move on. The choice is his. Does he want to be remembered as someone who doesn’t say thank you, or does he want to make amends and enjoy some beers together? The ball is in his court.
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