For Maryland Terrapins insider Jeff Ermann, reporting the latest team news is a duty that doesn’t pause, not even for the deepest personal tragedy. In the world of sports reporting, the news cycle is relentless. But for one Maryland insider, the biggest story this week wasn’t on the field but in his own family. It all became clear as Ermann took to Twitter to share devastating news about his father.

“Apologies for the lack of reporting the past few days. Unfortunately, we buried my dad this morning,” he wrote on his Twitter handle. The post has the entire Terrapins Nation mourning as they mourn the loss of one of their own. While he shared the heartbreaking news, Jeff Ermann made sure his readers got the latest news affecting their team, as he promised to work and be there for the fans who stand by him in his hour of need.

Jeff’s dedication is commendable, as he came up with the timely update regarding Maryland Coach Mike Locksley. The very same day, Ermann buried his father, and Maryland Terrapins AD Jim Smith announced the retention of Mike Locksley. The decision came despite the Terrapins sitting at 4-6 overall with a 1-6 Big Ten record amid a six-game losing streak. For Ermann, who had just lost his father that morning, the news meant another Maryland story despite his personal circumstances. True to his commitment, Ermann mentioned in his tweet, “Multiple reports state Maryland will retain Mike Locksley. We’ll have full coverage as usual.”

In a previous post on the thread, Jeff Ermann paid tribute to his father as he talked about the loss. “He was months away from seeing me become a grandfather and seeing my son go off to college, but he might’ve been spared the sight of seeing Jacob go to the school he was legally required to hate, OSU. That didn’t change even when Maryland surpassed Michigan for him.” The Terrapins fans have been heartbroken with their team’s disastrous performance this season. Meanwhile, this news only adds to their sorrow.

More so, as Jeff’s father became a genuine Maryland fan after Jeff Ermann started writing about the Terps. Originally a Michigan Wolverine supporter, his father would now visit every game of the Maryland Terrapins, cheering for them with his family. Although he tried to stay neutral when the two teams faced each other, his daughter remained a devoted Wolverine. He led a very healthy life, but cancer proved to be a battle too hard for him to win.

The loss has brought the whole community together in celebrating the life of one of their own.

Terrapins family rallies around Jeff Ermann

The Maryland football community has quickly responded to the tragedy with tributes pouring in from one and all. Everyone is reaching out to the family with their prayers and messages of support. One of the fans shared a similar experience as he wrote, “Sorry for your loss. My father passed February 21, 2018, and I think of him every day. Especially in my dreams, it’s wild. It’s rough, but you will get through it. The Terps can wait, the dumpster fire will be here,” urging him to take the time to process the loss and come back stronger.

Another similar comment read, “My condolences, Jeff. My father passed away a little over 8 months ago. We debated and celebrated Maryland athletics frequently over the past 20-plus years. I hear his criticisms about the run defense and red zone offense in my head often.” It talked about the memories left behind by the one they have lost and how to find solace in them. Some expressed remorse for his loss, as one commented, “Very sorry for your loss, Jeff. May his memory be a blessing.” Such heartfelt messages go a long way in giving hope.

While some talked about how his father would have felt about his achievements. “Sorry for your loss, Jeff. Sounds like your dad was a pretty great guy. Prayers to you and your family, and just remember how proud of you he is…” Showing him support and giving him the strength to get through this. Another expressed their sorrow for the loss. “Jeff, very sorry for your loss. Continue to make your dad proud.” The message commends the dedication Jeff has shown by continuing his responsibilities as a reporter even amidst the biggest loss of his life.