CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The “Big Cat’’ found his way to the Carolina Panthers practice field on Wednesday.
He wasn’t wearing pads or a helmet.
He was driving a golf cart.
The “Big Cat’’ is team owner Jerry Richardson. When the 79-year-old team founder makes an appearance most players and coaches tend to notice because he so rarely attends practice.
This was the first time this season.
That it came with the Panthers 11-0 heading into Sunday’s game at New Orleans meant a lot to coach Ron Rivera and the players. That Carolina is a win – or an Atlanta loss – away from a third straight NFC South title means a lot to Richardson.