Players, Role Models, Fathers

[Jeremy Igo]

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. 

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

Luke added a high five for good measure. 

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. 

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. 

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

 

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[Wundrbread33]

Proud of this team. Thank you for sharing these moments! 

[Port City Cat Fan]

good stuff

 

[KB_fan]

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 August 1, 2015 by KB_fan

[KJ89]

I saw you taking pictures of Kalil and his kids, that was great. I saw Olsen and his son, and TD running around with his daughter. Loved it. 

[PanthersAlv]

Not being a father, but having one that was/is still involved in my life, these are the moments that mattered most to me. Special moments with Dad. Thanks for this post Jeremy.

[Panthro]

Right in my feels

[UpstatePanther]

 

 

This is one of the best TD pics I've ever seen. With the pose, lighting, and even the scenery in the background. You could like... posterize that for some family counseling center. Haha

 

Edited August 1, 2015 by UpstatePanther

[O-Ther]

how are we supposed to win games  the division  the division again  a playoff game  a championship with this bunch of choir boys?

#wheredah8ersatnow

[TheWiz]

wow. Just took us to church bro. Great stuff.

[stirs]

This probably makes a connection with the fan base far beyond the lights of a football stadium.  Good stuff

[Mol3m4n]

That's the best Thomas Davis picture ever taken.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

I'd be perfectly okay if this was the best thread of our entire season. Well, second best. After the Super Bowl 50 Champions thread in early February.

[the butch]

Everytime I see a picture of TD I flash back to his forced fumble in the SF game and then I snap back to the present.  Good pic of him carrying his girl over his shoulder with the dusk in the background.