Jump to content

  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

Players, Role Models, Fathers

Jeremy Igo

By Jeremy Igo,
in Carolina Panthers

 Share

Recommended Posts

  • Popular Post
Jeremy Igo Newbie

Jeremy Igo

Posted
  • Popular Post
Posted

It is about to get a little sappy on the Huddle. If that bothers you, click away now....

While there is much media coverage of some of the more negative things that happen in any given year to any given team, very little attention is sometimes paid to the more understated positivity that becomes the foundation for a team's identity. Its character. 

After Friday night's practice, spectators got a glimpse of what is the real heart of this Panthers team and what makes a veteran player one that is respected both on and off the field. 

You know, I can't really relate to these guys in most areas. I am not particularly athletic or competitive. But after practice on Friday night I found myself relating to the Panthers players in a new way. A much more important way, in fact. I related to them (and I assume many onlookers did as well) as a parent, not just a player. 

After the whistle had blown and the helmets came off, the men in black and blue were just dads. Dads on a football field seeking autographs for their kids. Can you relate?

Greg Olsen and Ryan Kalil made sure the gang got some attention from Cam Newton, who thoroughly enjoyed the exchange. I imagine Cam's Captain America shirt may have meant more to the kids at that age. None the less, lasting memories made. 

carolina-panthers-training-camp-2015-413

Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly happily signed for the kiddos as well. 

carolina-panthers-training-camp-2015-412

Luke added a high five for good measure. 

carolina-panthers-training-camp-2015-411

Greg Olsen was sure to introduce his son to Panthers rookie Shaq Thompson. Olsen made sure to instruct him on how to make a proper and courteous introduction, as all good fathers do. A practice I have made countless times with my own twin boys. Again, commonalities and relating to the person, not just the player. 

carolina-panthers-training-camp-2015-413

After the fanfare and before signing countless more autographs (how these guys have the energy for so many fans and autographs after practice I will never know), Thomas Davis managed some one on one time with his daughter who reveled in the opportunity. 

carolina-panthers-training-camp-2015-541

And that, my friends, is an example of the underlying foundation of this entire team.

carolina-panthers-training-camp-2015-415

 


View full article

  • Pie 56
Link to comment
Share on other sites
KB_fan Proficient

KB_fan

Posted
Posted (edited)

YES.  THIS.

It is so nice to be able to respect so many of our guys as people & dads, not just as great players.

Cam's media event yesterday was a joy to watch, not just because of his joy & humor, but also that poignant moment when he spoke of what he wants people to know about him, that he loves life, and how he wears the hospital bracelet to remind him to be thankful every day.

I think of how the whole team so openly supported Greg last year during TJ's surgery, and Greg in turn making sure Peanut could connect with the pediatric heart specialists who could help follow up his daughter who had a heart transplant a few years ago...

TD and his work with kids....

and the comments yesterday by Michael Oher about how much the letters he gets from adopted kids mean to him.

and those pix of Kalil and others with the kids last night were just awesome...

Makes me SO proud to be a Panther fan.

Edited by KB_fan
  • Pie 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • PMH4OWPW7JD2TDGWZKTOYL2T3E.jpg

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • WestPanthers
      a tip of the cap to the Special Juan

      By WestPanthers · Posted

      Thanks !
    • Bear Hands
      That's it. How do you feel about this draft class.

      By Bear Hands · Posted

      Overall, fine.  Wish we landed a guy to pair with Lloyd but I presume this means they're giving Trevin one final year to put it together (72nd overall 2 years back).  Flashed potential year 1, had a dud last year.   R1: Freeling LT - Great value and a need; landed our new long term LT that could end up starting off the bat.  Icky had a terrible injury and is not playing in his contract year.  Walker is what he is on a 1-year rental, who even knows how he fits. You get premier OTs early if you can find em' and he has what you want.  I thought he could have gone as high as 6/CLE pre-draft, so am a big fan of the selection.  Looking at this class, he's one of the guys at the top that is like "okay that's the LT".  Others have this right/left or G/T type discussion about them.  Freeling is an LT.   R2: Hunter NT - We didn't really have anyone replacing A'Shawn's snaps in our rotation.  Wharton & Brown aren't 3 downers so adding Hunter to the mix fills a big void. I dug deep into S and LB this draft so was a bit to zeroed in - In recognize the value and impact add in the trenches. R3: Brazzell WR - Intriguing.  Given our history, I don't really want to place any expectations here, but a different style weapon for Bryce. I pretty much expect a WR drafted yearly with this regime. Other notables.. Hecht C - These are the type of rounds where starting centers have been found.  We got a starter for this year, but Hecht seems pretty capable and I like it for a long term find.  SOLID AF.  Wheatley S - A pretty well regarded safety prospect.  And we see it every year (like this one) safeties get hyped, people think they may go sooner than expected, and the league reminds them how it rolls.  Plenty of nice safeties have been found in the 4th-6th in recent years.  Big fan of Wheatley. Can't say I know enough about Lee or the others. 
    • CPF4LIFE
      Round 7: The Carolina Panthers select LB Jackson Kuwatch (Miami of Ohio)

      By CPF4LIFE · Posted

      I'm excited. I love situations like this when you could potentially find a diamond in the rough on the cheap. And you know guys like this are gonna put in the work and desire way more than others to be great. 
×
×
  • Create New...