Panthers should honor Minter with bronze statue

Tom Sorensen, Charlotte Observer

August 7, 2007

There are two bronze statues outside the northeast corner of Bank of America Stadium. One is Mike McCormack, the team's first president. The other is the late Sam Mills, the former linebacker and linebackers' coach.

I propose the Carolina Panthers add a third, Mike Minter.

Let's be honest. Minter, who announced his retirement Tuesday in an emotional news conference in Spartanburg, was not a great player.

He was tenacious and a big hitter, understood angles and was adept at being where he was supposed to. He was a leader, emotional and strong.

Minter was a mentor, working with younger teammates. He overcame injury, starting more games and more consecutive games than any Panther in history.

Despite 10 solid seasons, his performance alone does not merit a statue. But here's what does. He embodies what Jerry Richardson craves in a football player.

Minter, 33, didn't pass through Charlotte. He dug in. He was gracious with fans because he cared about them. He gave his money and his time to a variety of local causes because he knew he could help, knew that when others saw him, they might be inspired to help, too.

He used football as a platform to express, without knocking you over with it, religion and philosophy. He preached family and responsibility.

Remember the time that Minter went off on the fan and ripped the media and called attention to himself and made somebody feel worthless?

I don't either.

Yes, I'm biased. I spent more time in the locker room with Media Mike than with any other player in Panther history. Some players are great when they win or have a good game.

Minter also was good even when the Panthers lost or when he played poorly. He understood that fans were entitled to hear from him, and through us he delivered his message.

Although his football career has ended, his contributions to the community will not.

At his farewell news conference, he thanked the folks you would expect. He also thanked his youth coach and his pastor and the team's head of security and a security guard, and of course he thanked the fans.

Minter thought football was special, but despite all the accolades he collected, he never thought he was.

Nobody has represented the Panther organization more effectively, and I suspect nobody ever will.

I think we'll remember the qualities that distinguished him. A bronze statue will guarantee it.