Tampa Bay Lightning fans, friends, and co-workers have already begun taking to social media to give their reactions to the resignation of Lightning CEO Tod Leiweke.
As the Free Agency period continues on, Tampa Bay Lightning fans scour the internet to find the latest news about which players have re-signed with the team, which are finding new homes, and who will be joining the Tampa Bay Lightning in the upcoming 2015-16 season.
In an unexpected turn of events today, there was a different kind of new coming out of 401 Channelside Drive. Tampa Bay Lightning Chairman and Governor Jeff Vinik announced to the world that Tampa Bay Lightning Chief Executive Officer Tod Leiweke had officially resigned from his position with the Lightning to take the position of Chief Operating Office with the National Football League.
We think it goes without saying that without the kind of leadership provided by Tod Leiweke has had a tremendous impact on the face of Tampa Bay sports today. Alongside Vinik, Tod Leiweke has helped transform the Tampa Bay Lightning into a world class organization.
Not only have they worked tirelessly to enhance the game day experience for fans and build a tremendous team on the ice, but they have also made huge strides in increasing the Tampa Bay Lightning’s outreach in the community.
After being with the organization for five years, which has included two deep runs in the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Tampa Bay Lightning becoming the Eastern Conference Champions, and completely transforming the Amalie Arena into the amazing venue it is today, we think it is safe to say that people are sad to see him leave.
Not long after the announcement was made, Tampa Bay Lightning fans, as well as friends and co-workers took to various social media outlets to give their reactions to Leiweke’s resignation and wish him well in his journey.
Congrats to Tod Leiweke who has been an amazing partner for @USFAthletics and to me personally. He has done amazing work in this community.
— Mark Harlan (@MarkHarlan_AD) July 24, 2015
Lightning CEO Tod Leiweke Resigns to Become NFL's COO.
— Golesh Goals (@StephenHanewinc) July 24, 2015
Bitter sweet, Congrats.#GoBolts
The #TBLightning are going to miss Tod Leiweke. Heck of a promotion for him though!
— Jonathan Arnholz (@JArnholz) July 24, 2015
Make no mistake, every single way that the Lightning are a better organization now then they were then can be tied directly to Tod Leiweke
— clark brooks (@clarkbrooks) July 24, 2015
Great day for the @NFL, congrats on picking up a fantastic COO. Will miss his many fist bumps and back slaps...best of luck, Tod Leiweke!
— Emily Williams (@EmBWilliams) July 24, 2015
New NFL COO Tod Leiweke has been instrumental in growing the Lightning's passionate fan base, turning a non-traditional hockey market around
— Ira Kaufman (@IKaufman76) July 24, 2015
Tod Leiweke was huge in helping the Lightning rebrand after the OK Hockey mess.
— Jared Kight (@Jarebear81787) July 24, 2015
Good luck to Tod Leiweke at the NFL! I will miss your day to day leadership but always cherish your friendship! #GoBolts
— Jim Shimberg (@jim_shim) July 24, 2015
Hats off 2 Tod Leiweke 4 all that he did 4 @TBLightning & our community! He's been incredible 4 #TeamTampaBay & will be the same 4 the NFL!
— Rob Higgins (@RHiggins_TBSC) July 24, 2015
Mayor Bob Buckhorn, who has been incredibly supportive of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s efforts to transform the team and the community into what it is today, had some pretty good things to say about Tod Leiweke as well.
Really happy for Tod but sad for Tampa. Was a tremendous addition to our business community and in a few short... http://t.co/LTiqB2PEdt
— Bob Buckhorn (@BobBuckhorn) July 24, 2015
It is never easy when a person decides to take the next step in their career. While we are incredibly sad to see him leave, we cannot fault him for taking what is obviously a pretty sizable promotion and taking his career to the next level. There is no denying that the National Football League will be a better place for having him.
What are your thoughts on Tod Leiweke’s recent promotion to Chief Operating Officer of the National Football League? What do you think was one of his greatest accomplishments in his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Next: Tampa Bay Lightning: Who is the Toughest Competition Next Season?
More from Bolts by the Bay
- Tampa Bay Lightning: Maxim Groshev Stands Out at Rookie Showcase
- Tampa Bay Lightning Atlantic Division Preview: Boston Bruins
- Do the Tampa Bay Lightning provide Tyler Motte with career stability?
- Mikhail Sergachev hints a renewed vigor for the Tampa Bay Lightning
- Four training camp battles to watch with the Tampa Bay Lightning