Just months after undergoing heart transplant surgery, Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson was back showing his face around Bank of America Stadium, making a surprise visit yesterday at the Panthers’ OTA practice. Yesterday marked the first time that Richardson and his team were united since both parties showed signs of weakness during the disastrous playoff game against the Cardinals last season, and Richardson’s visit did much to boost the morale of the team as he was seen shaking hands and chatting with several players.
Richardson is largely known for his close relationships with his players, and perhaps no one has been affected by this tight bond more than Jake Delhomme, the Panthers’ longtime quarterback. Delhomme had some very touching things to say about Richardson after the visit, describing their relationship by saying, “He’s not just an owner by name. He’s one that I think many, many guys on the tam have a relationship with and not just, ‘Hey how are you doing?’ It’s a true relationship where he knows your family and your kids. It’s something that goes unnoticed, but that’s the way he wants it. It was certainly great to see him out here. He certainly looks good.”
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