New Orleans sports fans are in mourning after popular NFL reporter Aileen Hnatiuk secured a summer 'free agency' switch to cover the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The broadcaster developed cult status while covering the Saints after her sign-off message from last season went viral on social media.
Hnatiuk, who reported on the Saints for BRPround in Louisiana, tweeted 'That's a wrap #Saints' with a picture outside the team's practice facility.
The tweet has been viewed more than 7.4million times and amassed more than more than 40,000 likes from fans.
Now, Hnatiuk is making waves again after switching teams during this offseason. The broadcaster posted an update on social media this week to confirm she is now covering the Buccaneers.
Popular NFL reporter Aileen Hnatiuk secured a switch to cover the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
That’s a wrap #Saints pic.twitter.com/lS78dup7Kz
— Aileen Hnatiuk (@AileenHnatiuk) January 10, 2023
Hnatiuk, who reported on the Saints for BRPround, is making waves again in this offseason
'Fire the cannons!! #Bucs,' she wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of her wearing Tampa red.
The news sent some Saints supporters into meltdown on social media. '(I) haven’t been this bummed over a Saints free agent loss since Trey,' one wrote, citing Trey Hendrickson's departure to the Bengals in 2021.
'Huge L for the Saints,' another posted, while one bemoaned her choice of team. 'Going to a rival hurts the most,' they wrote.
In Florida, however, fans are celebrating Hnatiuk's arrival. 'Biggest free agent acquisition since Tom Brady,' one user posted on social media.
The broadcaster developed cult status while covering the New Orelans Saints last season
Hnatiuk responded to the frenzy on Monday with the message: 'These free agency jokes man'
Hnatiuk responded to the frenzy on Monday with a laughing emoji and the message: 'These free agency jokes man.'
She had announced her move back in June, writing on X, formerly known as Twitter: 'I’M COMING HOME.
'I am ecstatic to share with y’all I’m joining @WFLA’s talented Sports Team in Tampa as a Sports Reporter. The station I grew up watching! I can’t believe I’m typing that out.
'(I literally used to hope they’d air my high school volleyball highlights) I’ll be covering the Bucs, Lightning, Rays, Rowdies, USF & more.
'Grateful doesn’t do this feeling justice to be blessed with this opportunity. To my South Louisiana family — I never knew I needed you, but I did. I will carry everything I learned from you with me for the rest of my life. Baton Rouge & New Orleans will forever have a special place in my heart.'
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