Afternoon with the Carolina Panthers

[Jonesy]

I know this isn't typical discussion around here, but with as dead as the board has been over the past month, I couldn't help but to share this with you guys.As a family tradition in the Jones household, my son Steven and I make the yearly 1 hour trek to Wofford College in Spartanburg South Carolina to watch the Panthers practice and get a few autographs. Today wasn't a bad day eather wise (84 and overcast) but it being the Sunday afternoon practice, the place was loaded with fans. We both took a football and got 10 autographs a piece...most notably Steve Smith, Deshaun Foster, DeAngelo Williams, and Coach Fox. The guys are usually pretty damn good about spending a little time with the fans even though they're usually worn out after a 2 hour practice. We'll go back Wednesday for the morning practice when there will only be around 150 fans there compared to over a 1000 today so we'll be able to have a more personal time with some of the players. Here are a few pics I took.

DeAngelo signing for Steven

If you look in the middle, you'll see Julius Peppers

Regular practice time

Steven...who's now a blonde

Group Practice

John Fox signing for Steven and I

 

[Rob_k]

Looks like some fun there, nice to meet and see the local team giving back to the community. Not too ofter you can meet or talk to these guys when they are on and off the field.
When I was a kid, my dad and I met Mark VanEgan (former raiders and pats player) who is from my home town. I also had the pleasure of meeting one of the owners of the Florida Marlins at a Red Sox game a few years back, he happened to be at a game and was sitting in the seat next to me behind home plate.
Rob

 

[Brickhouse]

Looks like a fun filled day Brian. Thanks for the pics, pretty neat.

 

[ndp]

Yeah going during the week is a lot easier than the weekend. I can tell you from personal experience dealing with these guys almost everyday they are all very nice. Jerry Richardson (team owner) runs a tight ship everyone that works within his organization is respectful and never forgets who pays their salary. Jonesy, sorry we didn't have any cold Mountain Dew (if that was you and I'm sure it was) glad you had a great time.

Nate

 

[Jonesy]

Yeah going during the week is a lot easier than the weekend. I can tell you from personal experience dealing with these guys almost everyday they are all very nice. Jerry Richardson (team owner) runs a tight ship everyone that works within his organization is respectful and never forgets who pays their salary. Jonesy, sorry we didn't have any cold Mountain Dew (if that was you and I'm sure it was) glad you had a great time.

Nate

That was me!

 

[stevehawk]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing your experience and the pics. It's great that you could share such an awsome day with your son. Making memories, bro -- that's what it's all about.


:thumbs:

 

[RPB67]

That is one great take.

I usually go to Patriots Training Camp. That looks like a great take.

 

[jfields]

Hey bro! That looks like a lot of fun. Best part is that Steven will remember the times you two spent like this, and picing out the "special cigar" for the rest of his life. :thumbs:

Nothing like being a good father.

 

[BobbyRitz]

That's awesome Brian! A little quality time with your son...there's nothing better. A close friend and I venture to the Raven's training camp every year. :thumbs: