Ranking the 8 most influential Carolina Panthers in franchise history
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers. SAM MILLS. 2. player. 87. . LB
Sam Mills – Former Carolina Panthers LB
“Keep Pounding” is not just a catchy slogan.
It’s a way of life for everyone associated with the Carolina Panthers.
The message seems to have gotten lost in recent years. Team owner David Tepper even attempted to remove the chant from Carolina’s pre-game ritual to a fierce backlash from fans and the media in 2021.
This is Sam Mills’ legacy.
A man who proved that nothing is impossible in the face of adversity.
The undrafted linebacker went on to become a Pro Football Hall of Famer after an exceptional spell with the Panthers and New Orleans Saints. Despite being undersized for a second-level defender at the time, Mills displayed enough football nous and determination to become a supreme force that recorded 1,265 tackles, 20.5 sacks, five Pro Bowl appearances, and one All-Pro distinction.
Mills remained part of the Panthers’ culture in a coaching capacity and looked set for a potential head coaching gig before being diagnosed with intestinal cancer which eventually cost him his life in 2005 at just 45 years old.
His statue outside Bank of America Stadium is a constant reminder to keep pushing forward no matter what. It’s been almost 20 years since Mills’ passing, but his memory and mentality will live through the ages.