Shaq Thompson Talks Decision to Take Pay Cut to Remain in Carolina

[ladypanther]

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/article276019871.html

..this staff has been a blessing," Thompson said. "Over 200 years in experience, so it's like, why wouldn't you feel comfortable? Everybody knows the game, they've been coaching for a long time. There's no reason not to be confident and comfortable with these coaches. All you got to do is get to know them."

 

"Frank was with me honestly through that whole process. Just talking to me telling me like, 'Man, we really want you back' but he doesn't do the money thing. But he was calling me, texting me almost every day. Him and Pete [Hansen] and Coach [Ejiro] Evero reaching out to me telling me how much they would love to have me back and that I fit the defense and that was another big part of the reason I came back."

 

. So, it was just weighing out do I want to be here or do I want to go somewhere else. Do I want to be with my brothers who I went to war with? Or do I want to go to a different team and meet new people? I'm a big, loyal guy, so I stay with my brothers. And I was like man, I'd rather win with you guys. If I lose, I'd rather lose with y'all. I definitely want to win a Super Bowl but I want to win one with them. I don't want to win one with anybody else."

 

Edited June 2, 2023 by ladypanther

[MickMixon'sMetaphors]

I love that mindset.  When you're not going to want for anything the rest of your life, what is getting even more mean?  Hell - even putting a couple million cash in CDs or T-Bills earning 4-5-6% compounds ridiculously in this economic market.

I would like to think if I had the type of money and talent these guys have, I would think like Shaq.  I would want to play where I want to play and let the money be an afterthought.

Edited June 2, 2023 by MickMixon'sMetaphors

[rayzor]

Quote

Knowing that several free agents weren't set to get big deals, it became an easy decision for Thompson.

"Shoot. Just look at the linebacker market. Nobody was getting paid. Tight end market nobody was getting paid. Running back market nobody was getting paid. So, it was just weighing out do I want to be here or do I want to go somewhere else. Do I want to be with my brothers who I went to war with? Or do I want to go to a different team and meet new people? I'm a big, loyal guy, so I stay with my brothers. And I was like man, I'd rather win with you guys. If I lose, I'd rather lose with y'all. I definitely want to win a Super Bowl but I want to win one with them. I don't want to win one with anybody else."

Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/article276019871.html#storylink=cpy

Decision to stay was made easy when he realized there were very few FAs getting big money.

[Donald LaFell]

Sounds like it all worked out. Shaq isn’t as beloved as some long tenured Panthers but having a playing from 2015 is nice, gives me that sentimental feeling.

[Seltzer]

Shaq is one of the most underrated Panthers in franchise history.

Tough act to follow behind Luke & TD, but he's much better than a lot of fans want to give him credit for

[t96]

After being somewhat lukewarm on him earlier in his career, I’ve become a huge fan of Shaq. He’s underrated on the field and as a quiet leader.

[Khaki Lackey]

7 minutes ago, Seltzer said:

Shaq is one of the most underrated Panthers in franchise history.

Tough act to follow behind Luke & TD, but he's much better than a lot of fans want to give him credit for

Shaq has been one of my favorites since his "F*ck the Seahawks" rant his rookie season.

[onmyown]

35 minutes ago, rayzor said:

Decision to stay was made easy when he realized there were very few FAs getting big money.

Yea but no doubt he could go to a contender and try for a ring. At least play in some deep playoff games. Despite the homerism on this forum, that’s pretty unlikely in the next couple of years here with a rookie qb and new HC. In fact I don’t think that’s every happened, and there are only a couple examples of that year 3. Which is possible if the stars align…but Shaq would be 33 by then.

[Captain Morgan]

he's made over 50 mill....I'm sure he has a good financial advisor....he's set for life, he knows that, and now he can enjoy the end of his career where he wants to be.

[jasonluckydog]

Well I heard the price of Yeezys went down so that should help. 

[PantherKyle]

Love you Shaq. It's impossible to follow Luke and TD, but he has been a loyal Panther for a long time. Excited he can experience this regime and not end with Rhule. 

[TheMostInterestingMan]

1 hour ago, Seltzer said:

Shaq is one of the most underrated Panthers in franchise history.

Tough act to follow behind Luke & TD, but he's much better than a lot of fans want to give him credit for

Yep. I’ve been saying for awhile that Shaq is a really good LB that had the unfortunate task of following some all time great LBs

[TheSpecialJuan]

Everyone that commented on here wanted Shaq's ass cut you damn hypocrites I'm totally disgusted 

[ECHornet]

35 minutes ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

Everyone that commented on here wanted Shaq's ass cut you damn hypocrites I'm totally disgusted 

Yea, this board should allow no slander of Shaq after seeing those quotes (except for a 5 minute period following a missed tackle).