Nick Piccone
Derek Boyko was one of the best head of public relations for a professional sports team. Just ask anyone. Anyone that’s ever dealt with Boyko will have nothing but glowing things about him. But, today, after 17 years, Boyko announced he’s taking a promotion to head home and work for the Buffalo Bills.
He’ll be their Vice President of Communications.
Have a heavy heart leaving so many great people I worked with in Philadelphia. I have nothing but gratitude and love for @Eagles. But…
— Derek Boyko (@derek_boyko) February 23, 2017
My family and I are so excited for this next chapter of my life with the @buffalobills in a city I grew up in. Can't wait to get started.
— Derek Boyko (@derek_boyko) February 23, 2017
And it eventually became a day of mourning for the reporters that cover the team on a consistent basis.
This is really bad news for people who cover the Eagles, and for Eagles fans. Good for Derek, who is from Buffalo. https://t.co/8NWRWi4uKl
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) February 23, 2017
Derek Boyko is a pro. Promotes collegiality, boosting coverage of team by helping reporters. He's leaving Eagles. Read into that what u will
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) February 23, 2017
The #Eagles are a lesser organization without @derek_boyko. A true pro. Congrats to him on the move.
— Mike Sielski (@MikeSielski) February 23, 2017
Boyko's departure is a loss for the #Eagles from media relations standpoint. Will be challenge to replace him.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) February 23, 2017
Fans may not know him, but @derek_boyko was terrific at his job and really helpful to those who cover the Eagles. Buffalo media rejoice. https://t.co/kNOEJ9s28l
— Glen Macnow (@RealGlenMacnow) February 23, 2017
Yeah, there was that blip when Jeff McLane was kicked out of the Eagles’ press box this past season. But nobody really blamed Boyko for that. Maybe it was the Eagles’ PR machine going rogue. Anyhow, it’s definitely a big loss for the Eagles and hopefully the organization replaces Boyko with someone who has the same good will with the media that Boyko did.
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There are certainly a large group of people that had great experiences related to the influence Derek. I am one of the fortunate who benefited. Under his management of the Eagles Media Department, I was given “Photo Credentials” and was there for almost 20 years. The vast majority of my work was spent on a website. Many readers were like myself, disabled. I use a wheelchair, but, never felt different at Lincoln Financial Center – Until Derek was gone -then management considered me as “clutter” and no more “Photo Credentials”. One person does make a difference and that person is Derek