Until Bank of America Stadium can fill their seats with fans eager to belt out “Sweet Caroline” after a win and properly honor two Panther legends at midfield during half time as the organization inducts them into the Hall Of Honor, a ceremony in the team’s facilities as they sign a ceremonial one day contract to retire will just have to do for now.
The Carolina Panthers honored tight end Greg Olsen and linebacker Thomas Davis today in a dual retirement ceremony. Former and current Panthers such as Luke Kuechly, Captain Munnerlyn, Shaq Thompson, and Jeremy Chinn either showed their support in person or virtually.
Davis announced his intent to sign a one day contract to retire as a Panther last Wednesday. Olsen tweeted a day later that he would join Thomas. While Thomas was released by Washington, Olsen had to wait to make his intentions official since his release from the Seahawks was pending at the time.
Both players made an immediate impact in Carolina-making three trips to the Pro Bowl each. Davis was a 2015 NFL All Pro selection, and he totaled 1,216 tackles, 29 sacks, 90 tackles for a loss, 18 forced fumbles and 11 recoveries in his career.
After four seasons in Chicago, Olsen thrived in Charlotte-becoming Cam Newton’s favorite target. As a Panther, Olsen totaled three 1,000 receiving seasons from 2014-16. In the fall, Olsen will move up to the booth, as Fox Sports’ new analyst.
Davis owns an Arena Football team with former Panther Ted Ginn, Jr. The Charlotte Thunder will begin play on March 27.