Panthers Weekly News
In this edition: Pro Bowl additions, and the “Bank” hosting an event of International proportions.
Ryan Kalil to Represent Carolina in 2010 Pro Bowl
On Monday, Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil was added to the Pro Bowl roster.
Kalil was initially a second alternate, but after Dallas’ Andre Gurode dropped out citing an injury last week, it moved New Orleans’ Jonathan Goodwin to the starting position. Since the Saints will be representing the NFC in the Super Bowl, thus ruling Goodwin out; Kalil has been moved to the starting lineup.
This gives the Panthers three representatives–running back DeAngelo Williams, defensive end Julius Peppers, and now center Ryan Kalil–on the All Star squad. But there will be a fourth member added, whom I will name shortly.
Bank of America Stadium to Host International Soccer Match
At 8 p.m. on March 24, Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC will be the hosting site of an International Soccer Match between the Mexican national team and Iceland.
The 2010 World Cup Finals won’t begin until June. Charlotte is one of six stops on the Mexaican team’s American tour, leading up to it’s finale in South Africa.
Mexico is ranked 17th in the FIFA world rankings, and has qualified for five consecutive World Cup Finals, including this summer’s edition.
This will be the first time the venue has hosted a men’s national team, but it has also been the host site to the U.S. national women’s team with matched against Japan and Iceland in 1999 and 2000, and a match between Tecos and Atlas from Mexico’s “Primera Division” was hosted there in 2005.
Panthers Linebacker Jon Beason Fourth Player Named to Pro Bowl
On Friday afternoon, Panthers middle linebacker Jon Beason became the fourth player from the Panthers’ roster to be named to the Pro Bowl, after Sna Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis dropped out, citing a knee injury.
After much ado about not being voted into the Pro Bowl, Beason will get to start Sunday against the AFC, and rightfully so.
Even though the Panthers suffered a great deal of injuries to the defensive linemen, Beason still played with as much heart, desire, and determination as he has in his first couple of years.
Beason tied with Kevin Greene for the franchise record for Pro Bowl appearances by a linebacker, and is one-of-seven Panthers linebackers to make the all-star game in the team’s history.
After writing in his blog that he had been snubbed from the Pro Bowl, it’s refreshing to see Beason be rewarded an opportunity he worked hard for.
Information from this post is credited to the Carolina Panthers.