Goodbye Jake

[BillRosinski]

Back in the summer of 2003 when the Panthers signed Jake Delhomme as a free agent it was met with little fanfare by the press or fans. It was understandable since Jake was a backup with the Saints. I remember going on a caravan tour in June of that year and Delhomme was one of the players on the trip. At one point during an autograph session with the players at seperate tables I saw Jake sitting by himself. No one knew who he was or cared at that point. By the end of the first game that season everyone knew Jake Delhomme. The memories are still vivid. The Td pass to Ricky Proehl in the last minute on fourth down to beat Jacksonville, the endless two minute drives to win games that crowned the 2003 team the "Cardiac Cats". Then came the post season drama including the double overtime win in St. Louis on the pass to Steve Smith. People forget Jake took a beating in that game and got crushed on the last play of the first overtime. After the win in Philly came the duel with Brady in the Super Bowl. He and Moose still hold the record for the longest TD pass in Super Bowl history. Jake took the Panthers to the NFC championship game again in the 2005 season only to fall to Seattle. The 2008 season ended with the playoff loss to Arizona souring a 12-4 regular season. We all know the 2009 story. Maybe it was time to cut ties. I was always be a Jake fan and think he will start again in the NFL. People forget Kurt Warner was run out of St Louis. In 2002 Warner threw seven picks and one Td pass in the first three games, all losses. His season ended with a broken finger. (sound familiar). He ended up with the Giants but gave way to Eli Manning. In Arizona he found new life. Jake will find new life somewhere and his days with the Panthers should be remembered for the good times when he saved the franchise. Matt Moore looked good at the end of 2009 but has yet to play in a game that really counts. Both seasons hes had a chance to play the team has been out of the playoff picture. 2010 will be different. Adios Jake, you were a class guy and took the heat like every good quarterback does.

[Khyber53]

Jake, it's been a great ride, sorry the last year didn't work out for you. And sorry that you're going to have a bunch of limpdicks booing you on your way out.

You were the best quarterback we've ever had, you've led us to the Super Bowl and you gave it your all. Thanks for the time and good luck in the future.

[Captroop]

Fitting that you give such a good synopsis of Delhomme's time in Carolina. When I think of Jake, I am reminded of some of the best plays in Panthers history in 2003. And when I recall those memories, it is to the sound of your voice. Very well said.

Now come back and do play-by-play again.

[Zod]

Now come back and do play-by-play again.

agreed

[Zcustom]

agreed

+1

Just don't make any requests for ring or trophies or anything:cool:

[The Link]

I would love for him to come back and be a radio announcer for us. I love Jake as a person.

[Panther Boyd]

Thank you Jake for all of your hard work and especially the loyalty. Sorry you weren't shown the same loyalty at the end.

[Mr. Scot]

Thank you Jake for all of your hard work and especially the loyalty. Sorry you weren't shown the same loyalty at the end.

Jake was shown plenty of loyalty.

Much as I hate to see him end on a down note, it was time.

[Phil Dees]

Bill, who was your favorite Topcat? :drool5:

[Proudiddy]

Back in the summer of 2003 when the Panthers signed Jake Delhomme as a free agent it was met with little fanfare by the press or fans. It was understandable since Jake was a backup with the Saints. I remember going on a caravan tour in June of that year and Delhomme was one of the players on the trip. At one point during an autograph session with the players at seperate tables I saw Jake sitting by himself. No one knew who he was or cared at that point. By the end of the first game that season everyone knew Jake Delhomme. The memories are still vivid. The Td pass to Ricky Proehl in the last minute on fourth down to beat Jacksonville, the endless two minute drives to win games that crowned the 2003 team the "Cardiac Cats". Then came the post season drama including the double overtime win in St. Louis on the pass to Steve Smith. People forget Jake took a beating in that game and got crushed on the last play of the first overtime. After the win in Philly came the duel with Brady in the Super Bowl. He and Moose still hold the record for the longest TD pass in Super Bowl history. Jake took the Panthers to the NFC championship game again in the 2005 season only to fall to Seattle. The 2008 season ended with the playoff loss to Arizona souring a 12-4 regular season. We all know the 2009 story. Maybe it was time to cut ties. I was always be a Jake fan and think he will start again in the NFL. People forget Kurt Warner was run out of St Louis. In 2002 Warner threw seven picks and one Td pass in the first three games, all losses. His season ended with a broken finger. (sound familiar). He ended up with the Giants but gave way to Eli Manning. In Arizona he found new life. Jake will find new life somewhere and his days with the Panthers should be remembered for the good times when he saved the franchise. Matt Moore looked good at the end of 2009 but has yet to play in a game that really counts. Both seasons hes had a chance to play the team has been out of the playoff picture. 2010 will be different. Adios Jake, you were a class guy and took the heat like every good quarterback does.

Well said Bill. I choose to remember Jake for the good he did. I was always fair in assessing his play, and again, I think he was a Top 10 QB in this league for a couple years for us. I'll never forget him trash talking Rodney Harrison in the Superbowl. He wouldn't let us back down. I loved his fire. A true leader.

But, it was time to move forward and Jake will do great in whatever he does, I wish he would've retired with us. Hopefully we bring him back as a coach or in some front office capacity, I think people will appreciate him more then.

BTW, you have no idea how much we miss you doing the games!