Carolina Panthers former GM Dave Gettleman returns

Former Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman to attend Sunday’s game.

Carolina Panthers fans are familiar with the name Dave Gettleman, serving as general manager for the franchise for four years before surprisingly being relieved of his duties prior to the 2017 training camp. Former owner Jerry Richardson fired Gettleman during a meeting between the two as contract negotiations between long-time Panthers Thomas Davis and Greg Olsen were ongoing.

While the talks between players and the organization weren’t ever specifically aligned with the reason Richardson decided to part ways with Gettleman, his business like approach to the contracts and attention to fiscal responsibility were areas that seemed to drive a wedge between the locker room and front office.

Not out of work for long, Gettleman joined the New York Giants in December of last year and is orchestrating a rebuilding of their franchise along with new coach Pat Shurmur. The Giants extended star receiver Odell Beckham and drafted running back Saquon Barkley No. 2 overall to help quarterback Eli Manning and the offense. The latter is enjoying a good start to his rookie season, contributing in both the passing and run game, while finding the end zone every week but one.

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Unfortunately, Gettleman was diagnosed with lymphoma in June and has since been undergoing treatment which was scheduled to end in September. The Giants have played two games on the road, at Dallas and Houston, but Gettleman didn’t travel to either – on Sunday, he will – making a return to Carolina.

With a new owner there shouldn’t be any animosity with David Tepper and Gettleman but how players react to seeing their former GM will be something to keep an eye on should he visit the field or locker room during pregame activities.

Gettleman had the support of some players and many were shocked to see him leave, however, some – including former Panthers Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams and Josh Norman, all were pleased with the news of his dismissal when it occurred.

The good news is Gettleman is feeling well enough to make the trip and many still with the team will likely be happy to see him on Sunday.