Panther’s Culture Changes: Too Fast?
First of all, I’m a die hard Panther fan. I’m from here, grew up in Concord with no NFL team to pull for. My dad and uncle adopted the Washington Redskins. My phys-ed teacher in middle school was a huge Green Bay Packer fan and also the high school football coach at Concord High School. His name was Richard Thompson and he was pretty tough. When we would do leg lifts during gym class he would let you rest if you could name the defensive line of the Packers. I learned alot about the Packers that year and became a fan. My team was Green Bay until the Panther’s entered the league in 1995. Green Bay is still a favorite but NEVER when up against the Panther’s.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 10: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers runs with the football in the second half against Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field on November 10, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
I always will thank Jerry Richardson and partners for bringing the NFL to the Carolina’s. I thought it was the right time for an ownership change when David Tepper bought the team. Yes, we haven’t been winning. Yes, we’ve had major injuries at key positions. No, I never thought the problem was Ron Rivera and lookout…in the next few years, his Redskins could become formidable in their division. I like what I’ve seen so far from Matt Rhule, he carries himself well and says all the right things. His track record certainly speaks for itself. I’m hopeful for the future, but…are changes inside the Carolina Panther’s organization coming too fast?
I know that the new owner is a “get it done” kind of person and I’m all for that, but these players are more than just players to the fanbase. They live here, they work here, they give of their time here, their money and their celebrity.
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Lots of changes have occurred in a short time and you can’t help but miss the loss of Luke Kuechly (due of course to health reasons), the release of Greg Olsen, who clearly wanted to stay. As of this writing Greg could reach a decision that mostly likely will take him to Seattle according to speculation. (Click link below)
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
Players have locker room value and community value in addition to their on field contribution. I hope the Carolina Panther’s don’t forget that in their haste to make wholesale rebuilding changes. I want Cam Newton here if he’s able to play at a high level. I also want ownership to be honest with the fans and not dodge questions they already know the answer to.
The 2020 season will be interested for sure! I just personally will miss the familiar faces and some players of great personal character who are gone for whatever reason. Also, let’s please STOP all the talk about trading Christian McCaffrey. Let’s take a breath Panther’s.
