**Missouri Tigers Former Quarterback Blaine Gabbert Delivers Emotional Farewell Message to Fans: “From the Bottom of My Heart, Thank You for Embracing Me”**
*By \[Your Name], Senior Sports Correspondent*
*May 7, 2025 — Columbia, Missouri*
In an unforgettable moment that brought tears to fans’ eyes and pride to the heart of Missouri, former Tigers quarterback Blaine Gabbert returned to his collegiate roots to deliver a heartfelt farewell message to the university and its loyal supporters. Standing at midfield on Faurot Field, where he once led the Tigers to national recognition, Gabbert addressed the crowd during a special ceremony held in his honor — a moment years in the making.
His voice thick with emotion, the 35-year-old paused before delivering his opening line.
> “To the incredible fans of Missouri, thank you,” Gabbert said. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for embracing me and my family from the very first day. This place made me who I am — not just as a football player, but as a man.”
### **A Homegrown Hero**
Blaine Gabbert, a native of Ballwin, Missouri, burst onto the college football scene in 2008 as a five-star recruit out of Parkway West High School. Choosing to stay close to home despite offers from national powerhouses, Gabbert committed to the University of Missouri, immediately becoming a symbol of pride for the state.
Taking over as the Tigers’ starting quarterback in 2009, Gabbert led the team to back-to-back winning seasons under head coach Gary Pinkel. He threw for 6,822 yards and 40 touchdowns during his college career, including a 2010 campaign that saw Missouri upset No. 1 Oklahoma in one of the biggest wins in program history.
Gabbert’s poise in the pocket, arm strength, and leadership helped elevate Missouri to national relevance and set the foundation for the program’s later success in the SEC.
> “He was a born leader,” recalled former Missouri offensive lineman Elvis Fisher. “He set the tone for the whole offense, and we all followed him.”
### **NFL Journey and Lifelong Lessons**
After declaring early for the NFL Draft, Gabbert was selected 10th overall in 2011 by the Jacksonville Jaguars — the highest quarterback pick in Missouri Tigers history at the time. What followed was a 12-year NFL career marked by perseverance, adaptability, and quiet professionalism.
Gabbert’s career took him across the country, with stops in San Francisco, Arizona, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, and most recently, Kansas City. Though he never became a franchise quarterback, he served as a dependable backup and locker-room leader, earning two Super Bowl rings: one with Tom Brady’s Buccaneers in 2021 and another with Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs in 2024.
> “Not every journey goes exactly how you dream it,” Gabbert told the crowd, reflecting on his NFL years. “But I’m proud of every snap I took, every jersey I wore, and every teammate I stood beside. And none of it happens without Missouri.”
### **An Emotional Return to Faurot Field**
The farewell ceremony, organized as part of Mizzou’s annual “Legends of the Black & Gold” celebration, was originally billed as a tribute. However, it quickly became apparent that Gabbert had something more personal to share.
Stepping to the podium, dressed in a tailored black suit with a Missouri lapel pin, Gabbert looked out over the stands filled with thousands of fans, alumni, students, and current players. As the stadium fell silent, he began to speak — and from the outset, it was clear this was more than a formality.
> “Coming back here is always emotional,” he said. “This field — it holds memories that I’ll cherish for life. Wins, losses, laughter, heartbreak, brotherhood — all of it lives here.”
Gabbert singled out former coaches, including Gary Pinkel, who was in attendance, as well as teammates and faculty members who had shaped his development. He shared anecdotes of long film sessions, grueling two-a-days, and road trips through hostile Big 12 environments.
He recalled, with visible pride, the 36-27 win over No. 1 Oklahoma in 2010, describing the moment the crowd rushed the field as “something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”
> “That night was magic,” he said. “That’s the power of this program, of this community. We did it together.”
### **A Legacy Beyond the Field**
While Gabbert’s on-field accomplishments earned him accolades, it’s his off-field impact that many in Columbia cherish most. During and after his playing days, Gabbert remained connected to the university, supporting scholarship programs, mentoring student-athletes, and returning each offseason to speak with quarterbacks and coaches.
He’s often credited for helping create a “quarterback culture” at Missouri — paving the way for successors like James Franklin, Drew Lock, and current starter Caleb Henderson.
> “Blaine never stopped being a Tiger,” said Mizzou head coach Eli Drinkwitz. “He’s a role model for our young guys. He shows them what it means to represent this school with class and integrity.”
Gabbert also expressed his hope to remain involved with the program in the coming years — possibly in a mentorship, advisory, or even coaching capacity.
> “Football’s given me everything,” he said. “And I want to give back, especially to this place. Helping shape the next generation of Tigers? That would be an honor.”
### **Fan Reactions and Community Response**
The response from the Mizzou faithful was overwhelming. Social media platforms lit up with photos, video clips, and heartfelt messages of appreciation for Gabbert’s career and his emotional speech.
One longtime fan tweeted:
> “I watched Blaine Gabbert grow from a local kid into an NFL vet. Seeing him back on this field, saying goodbye… brought me to tears. Once a Tiger, always a Tiger.”
Alumni groups and booster organizations announced that they plan to establish a scholarship fund in Gabbert’s name, aimed at supporting Missouri student-athletes pursuing leadership roles off the field.
> “It’s a fitting tribute,” said Missouri athletic director Desireé Reed-Francois. “Blaine’s legacy isn’t just about touchdowns and wins — it’s about character, commitment, and community.”
### **Final Words: Not Goodbye, but See You Soon**
As Gabbert’s speech came to a close, the crowd rose to their feet for a sustained standing ovation. He placed his hand over his heart, visibly moved, and offered a few final words:
> “This isn’t goodbye. It’s just… see you soon. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for cheering for me. Thank you for letting me be your quarterback. I’ll carry Missouri with me wherever I go — always.”
And with that, the stadium echoed with one final chant:
**“M-I-Z!”**
**“Z-O-U!”**
A moment for the ages, honoring a player who gave everything to the game — and never forgot where it all began.
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Would
you like a commemorative image design with Gabbert’s quote for social media or print?
