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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers honored the late
Sam Mills at halftime of their preseason game Saturday night by
retiring his jersey.
Mills, who played three seasons with the Panthers and was an
assistant coach in the organization for seven more, died in April
after a nearly two-year battle with cancer.
"Since his retirement, no other Carolina Panther has ever worn
No. 51," Carolina owner Jerry Richardson said. "We are proud to
say as of tonight no Panther player will ever wear this number
again."
Mills, a five-time Pro Bowl linebacker, is the only player in
Carolina's Hall of Honor. There is also a bronze statue of him
outside of their stadium that was erected following his retirement.
Sam Mills III, an assistant with the Panthers, accepted the
framed No. 51 jersey on behalf of his family.
"My father was proud to be a Panther and I am happy to know
that all of you guys supported him all the years he was here," his
son said. "This is a wonderful way to close a very important
chapter in his life."
A video of Mills' highlights was shown to the crowd, as well as
a clip from a speech linebacker Mark Fields made at the ESPY awards
earlier this year. Fields is also battling cancer and will sit out
this season while undergoing treatment.
"One thing Sam Mills used to say before he passed away was
you've got to `Keep pounding, keep pounding, keep pounding,' "
Fields said.
"Keep pounding" was the expression Mills and Fields used to rally
Carolina during the 2003 season while they both sat out with
cancer. The Panthers went to the Super Bowl that season and
credited Mills and Fields for inspiring them.
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