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Players, Role Models, Fathers

Jeremy Igo

By Jeremy Igo,
in Carolina Panthers

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Jeremy Igo Newbie

Jeremy Igo

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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. 

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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

 


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KB_fan Proficient

KB_fan

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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.

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