Hey Andrew,
Do you mind if I call you Andrew? Andy? Drew? Lucky McLuckster? Probably not that last one. This past weekend, the Carolina Panthers locked up the number one pick and seeing how you’re the odds-on favorite to be drafted by them, I’m sure you have a few concerns. So I took it upon myself to write you this letter. I hope to address several areas that could affect your decision, and in doing so, quell your fears of declaring for the draft.
The Team
Ok, the team wasn’t very good…in fact, it sucked…really hard. But if you wait a year, the next team you go to is bound to be just as sucky. What makes this team less sucky than others that are constantly drafting high on the board like the Bengals, Browns, and Bills, is that we’re more stable and we’ve some great pieces in place to build around you.
You’ll be joining a team with the best running back tandem in the league in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, a pro-bowl tackle in Jordan Gross who’ll be keeping you on your feet, and a defense that was good enough to actually keep the worst team in the league in games. Most importantly, 2 years after our worst season in franchise history (1-15) we went to the Super Bowl.
The Lockout
I would hope the owners are smart enough to realize the money they would lose if there was a locked-out season, so I’m pretty sure they’re going to get a deal done before it’s too late. Some of the season might be lost but that’ll give you more time to bond with your teammates and endear yourself to the great city of Charlotte, home of…I’ll get back to you on that one. If you’re concerned about not playing for a year and are thinking about returning to school, I have two words for you: Jake Locker.
The Coach or Lack Thereof
John Fox is gone. There’s no doubt about that. I’ve heard your head coach might be available. Bring him along with you. We’d love to have him. If not him, Jeff Fischer has been aching for a franchise quarterback to coach up. And if we can’t get him, there’s always a chance we could hire a successful first-timer. We did it once. We can do it again.
The Division
Buccaneers. Falcons. Saints…ouch. Those are some tough teams, in probably the most underrated division in the NFL. But there’s something they have in common other than being formidable opponents. They have all recently revitalized their franchises with a new head coach and quarterback. It’s our turn to join this trend.
The Fans
If you happened to watch a Panthers’ home game, you saw a lot of empty seats. But that’s not due to a lack of fan loyalty. We’ve never had back-to-back winning seasons. If you help us win, we’ll be there. We just need a reason to cheer. Charlotte is also home to some of the friendliest people in the country (that’s what I wanted to say earlier). They might talk badly about you behind your back if you lose a few, but they’ll always smile to your face.
The Best Part of All
Oh by the way…you’ll be a god. We’ve never had a quarterback that was the face of our franchise. Go to any of the other bad teams and you’ll find hall of famers hanging in the rafters. Bills – Jim Kelly, Browns – Otto Graham, 49ers – Steve Young and Joe Montana, even the Detroit Lions had two hall of fame QB’s in their history in Dutch Clark and Bobby Layne…the Lions! The closest thing we’ve had? Kerry Collins and Jake Delhomme. You’ll live in the shadow of no one. You’ll be able to be your own man and define the position, the team, and represent the city of Charlotte.
Well, I hope that (along with a nice fat contract) is enough to persuade you. If that hasn’t done it…we’ve got fantastic weather, awesome barbecue, and this thing called Bojangles that you’re going to love. I hope to see you in black and blue…poor choice of words…in a Panthers uniform next year. I’ll be rooting for you.
Sincerely,
Craig Carter
A Part of Your Future, Loving Fan Base
