I mean I'm still taking this all in. Please click the link below to see the video if you haven't already. It's more than just a bust of the Big Cat, it's that an two spirit cats to boot:
Richardson receives sculpture in celebration of 80th birthday
"I feel honored that the partners came to me on the occasion of his 80th birthday," said Andrews, who managed to complete a project that could have taken as long as three years in just six months. "It's a continuation of the original ‘Indomitable Spirit' sculptures. What we're trying to depict is that it's as if the panthers have jumped down off their pedestals.
"Each panther represents more than one thing. One represents the offense, the other the defense. And because of what they are and who they're standing next to, they represent North Carolina and South Carolina. And then you take all three of them together, and I think of them as three panthers because Mr. Richardson is definitely a Panther."
I do like it, don't get me wrong. The symbolism of him handing over the football is appropriate. The whole 'Indomitable Spirit' part dovetails with the 'Keep Pounding' mantra, somewhat. The cats are kind of bad ass. I think most fans will like it.
I'm not sure Richardson likes it. He didn't really react at all in the video but that's not unusual for the stoic owner. I think he was a little stunned really like many of us seeing it for the first time. There's a lot to digest. So I'll leave it at that.