As the NFL Draft approached, a sign outside the Dilworth Neighborhood Grille in Carolina had a message for Panthers owner David Tepper to let the coach and GM make the picks, referencing the controversial selection of Bryce Young over C.J. Stroud. Tepper visited the restaurant before the draft and spoke with the manager to find out who was responsible for the sign, but the owner had already left for the day. The interaction was described as somewhat playful by Matt Wohlfarth, the owner and a longtime season-ticket holder. The Panthers ended up trading into the first round to select Xavier Legette.
Wohlfarth revealed that this wasn’t Tepper’s first visit to the restaurant in response to a critical sign. Following the Panthers’ disappointing 2-15 season, a sign criticizing meddling owners, specifically Jerry Jones, caught Tepper’s attention and displeased him. Tepper has faced criticism for his hands-on approach with the team since purchasing it from Richardson in 2018, as the Panthers have struggled with a 31-68 record and no playoff appearances under his ownership. This hands-on approach was further highlighted when Tepper was fined $300,000 by the NFL for throwing a drink at Jaguars fans during a Week 17 loss.
Tepper’s visit to the restaurant and subsequent selection of Legette in the draft highlighted the ongoing tension between the owner and fans over his involvement in personnel decisions. The playful interaction with the sign’s message reflects the frustration of the fan base with Tepper’s leadership and the team’s lackluster performance in recent years. Critics point to Tepper’s history of meddling and his failure to deliver playoff success as evidence of his shortcomings as an owner.
Despite the criticism, Tepper’s commitment to turning the Panthers into a winning franchise remains firm. The selection of Legette in the draft and Tepper’s efforts to improve the team highlight his dedication to building a competitive roster. However, his actions both on and off the field have raised concerns among fans and analysts about his leadership style and its impact on the team’s performance. Moving forward, Tepper will need to navigate these challenges to regain the trust of the fan base and deliver the success they expect from their beloved Panthers.
The ongoing saga between Tepper and fans, as seen through the restaurant signs and interactions, underscores the importance of communication and transparency in sports ownership. Tepper’s visit to the grille and the subsequent draft selection serve as a microcosm of the larger issues facing the Panthers and their owner. As the team looks to rebuild and improve its performance on the field, Tepper will need to strike a balance between his hands-on approach and the input of the coaching staff and front office to ensure the Panthers’ success in the years to come. Only time will tell if Tepper’s methods will lead to the desired results for the team and its loyal fan base.
