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Sam Mills Named Semifinalist for NFL Hall of Fame

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Former Panthers Linebacker and Coach Sam Mills has been named a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Yes, Mills is being considered for the Hall of Fame! Personally I think this should have happened a long time ago, but at least he's getting a chance now. Anyway to vouch for his induction, I'd like to relieve some of his greatest moments.

Our first Franchise Victory

Well, as everyone knows here, we were just an expansion team when Mills decided to sign with us and become a leader. Mills was a contributor from the start, notching many tackles and getting that amazing INT for a touchdown. Mills stepped up as a veteran on a very young Panthers squad.

The 1996 NFC Championship

Mills was a key role in the Panthers getting to the NFC Championship in 1996. He got 122 tackles and 5.5 sacks that year and was even voted a pro bowl starter! But stats weren't the only thing about Mills, it was leadership. He kept "characters" such as Kerry Collins in check and pretty much the whole team too. And so when the Panthers made the NFC Championship, he made sure everyone gave it all on the field. He certainly did, and even though we lost, we all knew we had something special in Mills.

Keep Pounding

In 2003, the Super Bowl season, Mills had retired and became a linebackers coach. This is also the year he was diagnosed with cancer. The team rallied around Mills, going on a Cinderella run with youngins Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith, and Julius Peppers, along with established vets like Moose Muhummad, Stephen Davis, and Kris Mangum. So on the night before the wild card game against the Cowboys, he told the team one of the most legendary speeches in football history. Here it is:

When I found out I had cancer, there were two things I could do -- quit or keep pounding. I’m a fighter. I kept pounding. You’re fighters, too. Keep pounding!"

Mills inspired the team through the playoffs, leading them in the most magical playoff run in Panthers history all the way to Super Bowl 38. Even though we lost a hard fought game, the quote would live in Panthers fans and players hearts forever.

Now, in this article, I may have stated the obvious about Mills. You already know all the stuff that happened. I'm trying to point out the huge impact he made through these events. The thing is, he impacted our organization greatly and in my opinion is worthy of a HOF induction. He had the stats (nearly 1200 tackles) and a strong contribution to football. I got mad respect for Sam Mills, and I think he should be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Thanks for reading guys and KEEP POUNDING!

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