The Keep Pounding Day initiative organized by the Carolina Panthers is a lasting reminder of the legacy left behind on and off the field by Sam Mills.
Keep Pounding Day is something the Carolina Panthers felt rightfully compelled to do in recognition of the huge impact left by linebacker Sam Mills. And not just for his actions on the field.
The 12-year veteran lost his battle with intestinal cancer in 2005 aged just 45. Mills fought the disease with the same tenacity and vigor that was a key component of his success in the NFL.
Mills was originally taken on by the New Orleans Saints after most experts deemed him too small to play linebacker at the next level. As he did throughout his life, the player defied the odds and became one of the most accomplished operating within the defensive second level.
After a nine-year stay in New Orleans, Mills left the franchise to sign a deal with the Panthers. He ended up playing three seasons in Carolina and won over the team’s loyal fanbase thanks in no small part to his exceptional dedication to his craft.
Mills eventually finished his glittering time in the NFL with 1,265 combined tackles, 363 of which were solo. He also managed to 20.5 sacks, 22 forced fumbles, and 11 interceptions.
His time with the Panthers resulted in 331 combined tackles (248 solo), ten sacks, six forced fumbles, and seven interceptions. Mills also left a huge impression within the community, doing whatever he could to help those less fortunate.
The linebacker went to the Pro Bowl five times, with his last selection coming at the age of 37 in 1996. Not bad for a 5-foot-9 prospect that nobody gave a chance.
Life after playing for Mills with the Carolina Panthers
There was life after playing for Sam Mills with the Carolina Panthers. He accepted the role of linebackers coach under George Seifert and John Fox and thrived with the responsibility.
There is nothing a player under Mills wouldn’t do for their coach. He had an infectious personality and a real nous for getting the best out of a player’s abilities on a consistent basis.
His initial diagnosis in 2003 during training camp did force Mills to miss some time. However, it is a testament to the man’s courage that he was able to return to his duties and played a leading role in the Panthers’ reaching a Super Bowl that same year.
Despite the treatment clearly taking a toll on Mills, this failed to dampen his enthusiasm for the game. He returned for the 2004 season before eventually stepping down as his condition worsened.
This was devastating news for the franchise, who had adopted Mills as one of their own. He started a fundraising cause entitled “Drop the Hammer on Cancer” that included selling bracelets with the team’s famous “Keep Pounding” mantra.
Such was the success of the initial response, the Keep Pounding Fund was born. This has raised millions for cancer research and ensures Mills’ legacy will last through the ages.
Mills’ legacy with the Carolina Panthers
One doesn’t have to look far to realist just what a significant impression Sam Mills had with the Carolina Panthers. The franchise retired his No. 51 jersey and became the first player to be inducted into their Hall of Honor.
Mills also has a statue outside Bank of America Stadium, where is immortalized in bronze as a further reminder of what an exceptional person and player he was.
Keep Pounding Day will always be an opportunity for Panthers’ staff, players, coaches, and fans to not only do a considerable amount of good throughout the community. But also to remember just was a special human being Mills was.
He rose from relative obscurity to not only carve out a hugely successful NFL career. But he also assisted the next generation in a coaching role. Mills’ presence in Carolina left it a far better place than when he came. And that is all one needs to know about the sort of man he was.
A selfless individual that would have done anything for anyone, Mills’ everlasting legacy with the Carolina Panthers is much more than just Keep Pounding Day. One only has to look at the glowing way former players speak about him to see just what an influential character he was.
Mills will be forever remembered in Carolina, and there is no adulation that can do justice to an incredible football player and an even better person.