Jaguars release starting DL hours after wishing him a happy birthday

As ESPN's Jeremy Fowler noted, the Jaguars' move with Fatukasi was a business decision and cost-cutting measure, so likely wasn't personal.

Still, it's always ironic when teams happen to make a big decision like this with a player on a day that's supposed to be about celebrating.

In November, the Las Vegas Raiders were roasted on social media after posting a happy birthday message to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo one day after he was benched. Garoppolo was a bust in Las Vegas last season after signing a three-year, $67.5M contract, finishing with seven touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 77.7 passer rating across seven games (six starts).

According to a report by ESPN's Michael DiRocco, Jacksonville's social media team "had no idea" Fatukasi's release was coming and the team's management was "unaware that the social media staff planned to post the birthday greeting."

After being selected by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the 29-year-old played his first four seasons with Gang Green. Fatukasi racked up 18 tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hits and 3.0 sacks during his time with New York.

The UConn product signed a three-year, $30M deal with the Jags in March 2022 and recorded five tackles for loss, five quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks with Jacksonville.