Panthers’ cornerback Stephon Gilmore grew up a fan of the team. He has also been and fan, and friend, of quarterback Cam Newton. So when the Rock Hill native signed with Carolina, Ian Rapoport reports that he wanted to wear #1 in honor of the Panthers’ legend, but owner David Tepper didn’t think it was a good idea.
“When the Panthers traded for Stephon Gilmore, he asked to wear No. 1. The Rock Hill, S.C., native knew the importance of the number Cam Newton made famous in Carolina, and his request was partly an homage.”
“But out of respect for everything Newton had done for the organization, owner David Tepper made the decision not to give the vaunted number away. Until this week, of course.”
Gilmore settled on #9, and a little over a month later the man he wanted to pay homage to has returned. Looks like everything worked out.
