Why does Sam Mills have a statue?

[theedaddy]

more than glad to have sam don a panther jersey and set a tone(& leadership)for a brand new team.

[hsfolk]

Sam Mills was my favorite from the Dome Patrol, next would probably be Rickey Jackson

[dimbee]

If John Kasay isn't the next statue, then hell will have fully iced over.

Interesting question: Who do y'all think will be the next Panthers-related person (because it doesn't have to be a player) to get a statue(after Kasay)?

[pnthrs]

If no Minter. No Kasay.

[Miaoww]

Yeah I've never understood the Mills statue either. Sure he was a great player, but he didn't spend much of his career here.

Those things should be special. For example, Smith should get one when he retires (assuming he retires a Panther); career Panther + great player = statue.

[cookinwithgas]

What the hell?

This had nothing to do with cancer. It had everything to do with the fact that Jerry considered Sam Mills the "prototype Panther" because he was a "gentleman player" who played with all his heart, played above expectations consistently, and his off field activities were as important to him as his on field ones.

The statue was not just about Sam, but what Jerry felt Sam embodied and wanted other players to be reminded of.

[Khyber53]

It was an honor to have Sam Mills play here, coach here and live here. The statue is the least of the honors he should have when it comes to football.

Kasay deserves a statue, Smith as well. I'd also vote for a Delhomme statue.

[panthers55]

Smith won't get a statue. It isn't about just being a great player but being a great player and a great person who inspires others to greatness as well. Smitty is a great player but not a great person nor does he inspire others. Kasay is a great player and great person. Big difference.

[Cargojon]

How bout a Ken Lucas statue?

[Matt Foley]

I think it's safe to say the Panthers were in a rush to give themselves something to be proud of. I love Sam Mills. He was one of the nicest guys I ever worked with. But statues outside your stadium should be reserved for all-timers, like Jordan or Gretzky or Rice. And the other statue is just silly. The man helped the Panthers get to the NFC Championship in just two years, but Jacksonville did it, too.

Both nice guys. Both guys you'd like your children to emulate. But statues? If you want to know a player I think emulates what the Panthers are all about, I would pick Brad Hoover. Played hurt. Played special teams. Played against guys drafted on Saturday when he wasn't even drafted on Sunday. And he was tight with everybody who worked at the stadium. He was one of them, just as much as he was one of the team.

[Johnny Rockets]

I think it's safe to say the Panthers were in a rush to give themselves something to be proud of. I love Sam Mills. He was one of the nicest guys I ever worked with. But statues outside your stadium should be reserved for all-timers, like Jordan or Gretzky or Rice. .

You forgot to add Balboa.

[Khyber53]

Good point, Meat. Hoover in bronze. I'm all for it!

[Snake]

Because he and Chuck Norris are of super natural decent.

[rayzor]

sam mills statue > sam mills fan anyday.