What do you get a man who brought the NFL to the Carolinas for his 80th birthday?
A sculpture, obviously.
The Panthers on Monday unveiled a new honor for owner Jerry Richardson, who was celebrating his 80th birthday:
#Panthers partners unveil statue in honor of Jerry Richardson, who turns 80 today » https://t.co/L4NSkdilHj pic.twitter.com/uExGLpXO4b
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) July 18, 2016
If only Richardson had a Twitter account, he could have seen a sneak preview from a sleuthy fan last week:
Are these #panthers poised to help six others celebrate their 20th anniversary in Charlotte ? #nfl #carolina pic.twitter.com/x7flxpo553
— bee (@BinCarolina) July 15, 2016
Together, the two new panthers and the nearly 13 feet tall Richardson are called "The Tribute," designed by Todd Andrews, the artist who created Bank of America Stadium's six other panthers and the statues of Sam Mills and Mike McCormack.
According to Andrews, the panthers next to Richardson represent offense and defense and North and South Carolina.
"The Indomitable Spirits who guard our stadium were led here by a man who took us beyond where others even imagined," reads an inscription at the base of the sculpture, which stands outside the North Gate.
"In this place, for this place – his relentless drive inspired a display of unity in the Carolinas worthy of a world's stage. On the occasion of Jerry Richardson's 80th birthday, this sculpture is dedicated and commissioned as a loving gift to him and his family by his partners."