Jake Delhomme was the cover boy of my "Tales from the Carolina Panthers Sideline" book from 2004.
I wrote the book above six years ago, back when Jake Delhomme held the Carolinas in the palm of his hand.
The Panthers had just reached the Super Bowl in Delhomme’s first year as a starter here, and Delhomme had thrown for an NFL-record 211 yards in the fourth quarter alone of the Panthers’ heartbreaking 32-29 Super Bowl loss to New England.
Six years later, Delhomme recently got fired by the Panthers – a move that brought a storm of emotion from everywhere, including Delhomme himself.
For a moment, let’s take a pause during this harried Panther offseason. I want you to recall happier times about Delhomme. He deserves that.
This book may help. I’m going to randomly give away FIVE free hardback copies of my Panthers book with Delhomme on the cover.
If you win one, I will sign your book to you or whomever else you like and then mail it to you. I will randomly pick five names Friday at noon from all the entries to my “Free Delhomme Book” contest.
Here’s how to enter: Write a comment below recalling your favorite Delhomme memory. On the field, off the field, wherever. It can be a sentence, a paragraph – whatever. We’re not judging these on the writing quality – the drawing will be random. The comments can be anonymous or with your name attached.
Then, YOU MUST ALSO cut and paste that very same comment into an e-mail and send it to me at sfowler@charlotteobserver.com, ALONG WITH your name, address and a valid phone number. (Don’t put your address and phone number on the blog comment, of course – put that only in your private e-mail).
If you don’t take BOTH these steps – 1) posting your comment on this blog and then 2) e-mailing it to me with your personal information added -- your entry will not be eligible.
Let’s limit it to one entry per person, please, although members of the same family can all enter individually.
I’ll leave this contest open until Friday at 11 a.m. and then RANDOMLY draw out the winners’ names. Winners will be contacted by me via e-mail no later than Friday, March 12 at noon, and I’ll also post their names on this blog that same day by 1 p.m.
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96 comments:
Jake and i knew a mutual friend in Kentucky. They owned a horse together (Paws Prince). I was in Kentucky one day for a meeting and had the pleasure of having dinner with them. A great down to earth guy. I saw him in Charlotte at a local Harris Teeter later that year and he remembered me and took a picture with my newborn son.
Jake was a great emotional leader of that team for so long. You knew he was at least going to go down fighting. No, he was never the most gifted QB physically. Mentally however, you knew he was never going to quit. There was fight in that small dog.
gotta love them duck tape pants in the dome!
Scott,
my favorite Jake moment was day one. went Coach Fox inserted him in after a terrible first half in Jacksonville. That comeback won was a magic moment. i can remember standing up in my living room during a winning drive and jumping with Smitty in the endzone. that was an awesome Sunday.
My favorite memory was the pass in overtime to Steve Smith against St. Louis.
'03 playoffs......St Louis......69 yards to Smitty......Awesome!!!
I met Jake at a in-home visit that my friends had won by a bidding at a Give a Kid a wish Silent Auction. There was probably 40+ people there and he was friendly and courteous the entire time. He must have signed 100 different things and didn't complain once. He even had a beer with my college buddies and I. From that one meeting, you could tell he was a stand up guy.
Clearly the Jacksonville game sticks out the most, but also the 2nd half of the Super Bowl game when he came out slinging the ball. Other than Janet Jackson, that performance made it one of the most memorable Super Bowls.
I was in a group home when I was younger and the panthers players used to come visit us. I'd always had some interest in them but after foxy put Jake in the Jacksonville game and he won it for us I was hooked. No matter how good or bad they are I have been glued to my TV every Sunday since then. Jake has always been the definition of the "Cardiac Cats"...hate him or love him I sure will miss him!!! I'd REALLY REALLY REALLY like to win a copy of that book too! I purchased it when it first came out but I'd love to have an autographed copy! Pick Me!
I'd say overall he simply played the game with heart and he showed his passion on the field. You knew that he was always competing. Hate to see him go and I wish him the best.
November 9, 2003. Panthers blow a 20-7 lead vs. Tampa Bay in the 4th quarter and fall behind 24-20 with just a few minutes left. Camera pans to Delhomme on the sideline as he calmly looks over at a team mate and gives a subtle "wink" as if to say, "Don't worry, I got it". He completes a 5-yard TD to Smitty to win it a few minutes later.
One of my favorite moments had to be that we had an opportunity to win Super Bowl XXXVIII. Jake played a great game and went toe to toe with Brady in that one. Great job to come that close.
There are many favorite moments to choose from, but I'm going to go a bit different and say my favorite moment was his last interview--yep, the one after he got cut. I'm not saying this was my favorite moment because I'm glad he's gone. I'm saying this because this was the first time I realized how much Jake loved this team. I've seen passion on the field from many players in the past. If they ever got cut, they are upset, but always say "it's a business". Jake, on the other hand, never held back in showing how much it hurt to leave the team, and for that, I saw a man who loved an organization more than any player I've ever seen go through the Panthers organization. To quote Cinderella, "don't know what you got till it's gone" sums it up. Good luck to you, Jake! Thanks for all the memories and showing your passion for this team.
Chicago Bears - 2008....After a great finish in San Diego the Panther were laying in egg in the 2nd half of the home opener...Jake got hit so hard, so late, and couldn't have loved it more..he stood up pounded his chest sparked the team for a great comeback victory...Led to a perfect 8-0 season at home in the regular season. I loved that fire, and everyone including the crowd fed off it.
My favorite Jake memory was the long touchdown pass against the Rams in the playoffs, I would have sworn that he had over throw 89 but it hit him in stride and took us one more step to the Super Bowl.
There were many good moments and comebacks in Jake's career, but one that sticks out to me is the Panthers vs. San Diego in 2008. Jake being the first quarterback to comeback from Tommy John Surgery to throw a bullet pass to Dante Rosario in the back of the endzone, where the pump fake fooled everyone including the camera guy, for the win as time expired. Unfortunately, that season did not end as we hoped, but that game sure got me excited about the Panthers again.
The best Jake memory would have to be game one of the 2008-09 season against San Diego. Jake was coming back from a season of surgery, and no one knew how good he would be. I remember saying to my TV, "Come on Jake, make me believe again." Just like that, Jake was Jake again. The call was 'run four streaks.' Jake bought time in the pocket, and put the ball on a hope to a leaping Dante Rosario in the back of the endzone. Jake was jumping up and down, sprinting down the sidelines, and I was screaming my head off. My dog was terrified.
Ah my fondest Jake story, there are so many. Like many have said he was never the most athletic guy, probably never had the best arm on the team, but he had the biggest heart. Look no further then his first game as a Panther to see that, replacing an aging Rodney Peete at halftime and throwing that beauty of a pass to 'Sticky Ricky.' I can still see it, and the flag guy going crazy in the corner. Of course you can't leave out throwing the deep ball to Moose in the Super Bowl and then bad mouthing Rodney 'The Dirtiest Player in the Game' Harrison all the way down the field, that took balls.
My favorite Jake Delhomme moment was the pass he threw to Steve Smith against the Rams in the playoffs. That was the only good pass I will ever remember Jake Delhomme throwing.
2003, ST. LOUIS, TO SMITTY, OVERTIME.
This book will make a great drinking game. Drink every time you catch a grammatical mistake. You will be fully drunk by the time you get to chapter two.
Bob said
The 2004 Super Bowl. Jake wasn't hitting on anything through quarter number two. Suddenly he got a spark and put on a show the rest of the game.
We came sooooo close to winning.
Re: My book's grammatical mistakes...
Really? Sometime I don't write so good the first time, but I think I done caught most of my mistakes in the editting proocess. Sincerly, Scott Fowler.. (P.S. I am joking here, guys)
My favorite Jake memory was the first game he played in 2003 when he led the team back from a 17-0 deficit to win 24-23 against the Jags. That TD pass to Proehl will always stand out to me.
I always loved Jake's passion and heart that he displayed while playing for the Panthers. I feel like this is why many other fans loved Jake so much, too. My most clear memory of this was when we were playing the Chicago Bears a few years back. Jake had taken off out of the pocket trying to pick up extra yardage when he was leveled on a QB slide by Bears LB Lance Briggs. Then, Jake gets up like a mad man and starts beating his chest as if he was possessed. That show of heart juiced up our whole sideline and led our team to a victory.
Jake's ability to lead and motivate was uncanny. He will be deeply missed.
My best memory of Jake happened to coincide with my first opportunity to see the Panthers at the stadium. It was the day Rodney Peete struggled and when coaching staff brought in this unknow backup with brought in from New Orleans. That comeback and final TD to Ricky Proehl sold me as a fan forever. Whenever things got rough with Jake, I always remembered that game fondly. I can't remember when the crowd at the ten Ericcson Stadium had ever been so loud. That's the Jake I want to remember.
My favorite has to be the pass to Smitty in the '03 playoffs at St. Louis. I was sitting in the end zone and Smitty was running straight towards us when he caught the pass. I was on the front row of the club seats and stood up with my arms in the TD signal position with all those Ram fans sitting behind me. The dome went from a deafening roar to pin drop quite in 2 seconds.
Has to be the home victory against Tampa Bay in 2003. We blow a big lead and Jake calmly leads a last minute drive down the field for the win! That is when I knew for sure the Panthers were for real that season.
The best Delhomme moment ever is when he ripped his pants. He didn't go into the locker room to change them. He just tape them up , and went back onto the field.
At training camp last summer I was at the guard post because I couldn't go on the hill with the other fans because of my wheelchair. When practice was over and all of the tired and sweaty players were leaving the field past me; I went pretty much unnoticed. Those who did glance my way quickly glanced away.
When Jake got off of a cart that had brought him to the guard shack, he looked directly at me and didn't glance away like I was a freak and said hello.
To most people that's not a big deal but to me the fact that didn't turn away was huge. He actually saw me.
I agree with so many others -- the Prohl pass in the Jags came. It was the sign of so many more great comebacks that would come. If we could just have pulled off that superbowl -- another great Jake effort and memory!!! Best of Luck Jake.
My favorite memory has to be the rams playoff game. I was stationed in Guam at the time and was the only true Panther fan there. I had a little couch and tv in my dorm room and was watching with about 6 of my friends and girlfriend. At the time before the x-clown play I had been on the phone with my Dad and brother who still lived in Charlotte and enjoy all the games. Up until my departure for the military my Dad and I had never missed a game together even driving to Clemson for every home game. Anyways I was basically complaining how Kasey missed the FG and how the Rams were driving for that score in Overtime when Manning came up with that Miraculous INT. Of course after the holding penalty the Panthers were looking at 1st and 20 and of course we were bitching about it. Then all of sudden Delhomme hit Smitty in stride for one of the greatest moments in my life. I screemed all the way through the parking lot like a mad man. Truly a unforgettable moment.
First off, thanks for doing this. People should be just as sad that Jake is gone as they are with Hoover leaving. My favorite Jake moment was against a team I can't remember with a score I can't remember, but he was hit and literally went kind of horizontal about to fall on the ground and chucked the ball to Jeff King for a touchdown. I love you Jake and I'm a dude!
Without a doubt, my favorite Jake moment was last week when he finally got cut. Should have happened a long time ago.
Realist-Charlotte, NC
Me and my son where there when Jake came in 17 down against Jacksonville and won. Best day ever
Scott,
My favorite moment is a little bit different then the others posting!!!!
I liked it when Delhomme was getting more exposure after the Superbowl XXXVIII when he won the 2005 Quaterback Challenge!He he won over QBs like Leftwich;Palmer;Hasselbeck;Brees;
Harrington & Roethlisberger.After winning it all he did a cartwheel & then asked the QBs to huddle up.He said"Come on now!Break it down!Panther Pride on 3!1,2,3!" And the other QBs walked away & laughed!Actually one QB did say it!That was a great moment for me!There are plenty more moments! But I thought it was cool when Jake was getting more recognized that got him into this event!Thanks!
My favorite jake memory is his reaction after the last second pass against San Diego last year.
gotta be X-clown in St. Louis. I was 18 years old at the time, and it still ranks as probably the most exciting 10 seconds of my life.
I enjoyed lip reading every expletive he screamed after making some ridiculous play down-field.
I would love to say when Jake was yelling at Rodney Harrison during the Super Bowl. But the moment that's even better than that is when He came in at halftime during the season opener in 2003 and brought the Panthers back from down 17-0 to win against Jacksonville and start the best season this city has ever seen in any sport.
I loved the come from behind win against Jacksonville, his emotional leadership, and his torn pants--that was funny!
My favorite Jake moment was the 69 yard touchdown pass to a cutting Smitty in St. Louis. I remember standing in my parents living room going insane as Jake connected and Smith scampered into the endzone and on in the playoffs!
Jan. 10, 2009, the day I turned 33, and the day when Jake turned 34. It also happened to be the Panthers' NFC Playoff contest @ home against the Arizona Panthers. That week I purchased my first Panthers jersey (DeAngelo Williams No. 34), and announced plans to hold a birthday/playoff viewing party, with the highest hopes of watching the Panthers win and advance to the NFC Championship game. Could a guy ask for a better birthday gift, for me or for Jake? I say no.
But rather than win and earn a berth in NFC lore, Jake's ultimate demise began. Five interceptions and a fumble. Not a "happy" memory, but it is the best, clearest, most vivid for me. Happy Birthday Me. Happy Birthday Jake.
Two seasons ago when we were playing Green Bay. We were making our final drive in hopes of scoring and getting the win. Jake made a crazy throw to Steve Smith (who made a crazy catch) and it set us up for the win. I miss the Jake and Steve show!
My favorite memory of Jake...the winning touchdown pass to Ricky Proehl in his first game against Jacksonville. It was the beginning of a wonderful journey Jake has led us on these last few years. And with most of my family being Wake Forest grads, it was also the beginning of our chant anytime Ricky caught a pass from Jake, "Ricky Proehl,,,,,Wake Forest!!!!"
we were at the carolina panthers training camp one summer. my oldest son is just a huge fan of steve smith and we brought a steve smith jersey to the practice. when after lunch steve was sitting in the grass waiting for the horn, we tried and tried to steve's attention but were not sucessful. so jake comes down the line signing everything in sight (he even brings his own pen everyday) when he gets to us my 68 year old mom looks right at him and says "jake we want steve's autograph on this jersey" jake looks up and sees my mom and then he says "yes mam" where is steve - my mom "he sitting right in the grass" jake stop signing and goes over to steve points us out and walks him to sign the jersey - right after he signed the horn blew and jake and steve trotted off the practice... i was totally shocked that jake would do that at the request of my mom and she just says "well what would you expect from a southern young man"... we still laugh about this everytime we are together... we will always love jake...
Scott is clearly trying to advertise his book here under the "free book giveaway" veil...he's trying to take advantage of the situation...great marketing...give 5 books for free and hope sales increase. Use Delhomme's misfortunes to profit...good one Scott.
I'm sure you have hundreds of these "books" in your garage - I say recycle - save the planet. Good luck giving them away.
Reading all of these comments and reliving so many of these moments gave me goosebumps. I don't think there is any way to begin to describe what Jake has done for this organization. For me, I can't choose one moment -- what I loved (and continue to love) about Jake is his passion. Whether he's just thrown a touchdown pass in the final seconds of a game, or whether he's just thrown an interception (if only there had been a few less of those this season), you know that his heart is there. I truly hate to see him go.
The tongue, the fist pumping, jumping into smitty's arms, determined face in the fourth quarter, respect to the media, and the incredible ride he took all of us on in 2003, I will never forget #17. Thank you, Jake.
My son loved Jake Delhomme and I loved the fact that he could love Jake without worrying if Jake was going to get arrested, sued, caught in a strip club, etc. That reason alone is why I'll miss Jake.
two moments stick out in my mind, 1)the Jacksonville game in 2003, coming off the bench at 17-0, then winning the game with the pass the Proehl, and 2) the open touchdown pass to Steve Smith against the Bears in the '05 play-offs. Good Luck, JAKE! You will always hold a place in the hearts of all true panther fans.
my favorite Delhomme moment was in the 2004 playoffs against the Rams when he hit Smith for the 69 yard TD in the first play of double overtime.
My favorite memory came early in the 2009 season. We were struggling to beat the Redskins and facing an 0-4 start to the season. On our last drive, Jake ran the slowest quarterback end around in history and dragged a dumb-founded Deangelo Hall across the first down line to seal the first victory of the season. Jake was probably the last person on the team who should've run for that first down, but that one play was hilarious yet absolutely inspiring. It was a small glimmer in his worst season, yet that passion is what I think defines him more than anything. I will never forget that awesomely goofy play from a career of great moments.
I was fortunate enough to get a ticket to attend the 2003 season opener. One half, one first half and 36 yards of putrid offense later, John Fox yanked Rodney Peete for Jake Delhomme.
You could see the huddle abuzz. Even a guy like Muhsin Muhammad, not usually one to be excessively demonstrative before or during a play, appeared excited.
One half, a little more production on offense and a last-gasp drive capped a heart-stopping comeback as Delhomme's touchdown pass to Ricky Proehl completed a 24-23 comeback victory.
Fox wasted little time formally naming Delhomme the starting quarterback. After the lunacy surrounding Kerry Collins' behavior, the mistreatment of Steve Beuerlein, the Jeff Lewis disaster and the Chris Weinke saga, the Panthers had a quarterback which the community could fully embrace.
Delhomme reciprocated the good vibes time and again over the next seven years. And, off the field, look at all the other anecdotes exemplifying class. What more need be said? Except ...
Thank you, Jake.
My favorite Jake moment.....
2009 Panthers 0-3, everybody hated Jake. (Okay, not everybody but it was a real sticking point on the Observer Website and daytime stories weren't as exciting as the comments on blogs.) Carolina finished the Bye Week and then had the lead in the 4th quarter. Delhomme fought on a run to make a crucial first down and sealed the game.
He didn't have strength or speed, but what he had (and he showed it on that run) was heart! Jake had a heart that was bigger then all of Charlotte. Classy guy, how deserves ALL OF OUR RESPECT WHETHER YOU LIKED THE WAY HE PLAYED OR NOT! Class Act 100% of the time, didn't whine, didn't blame receivers, didn't blame anyone but HIMSELF.
GIVE HIM THE RESPECT HE'S EARNED!
There are so many fantastic options to choose from here(2003 Divisional Playoff TD to beat the Rams, 2003 Super Bowl 2nd half, 2009 miracles against the Packers AND Saints) but I'm going to choose the opener to the 2008-2009 season at San Diego. I was living in Atlanta at the time and thus was forced to watch the game on the gamecast for most of it. The Fox game that was on ended so I got to watch the last 9 seconds. Jake converted a 4th and 2 to Moose and then spiked the ball with 2 seconds left. Then it happened. They were at the 14 yard line and Jake pump faked and hit Dante Rosario in the back of the endzone to win the game as time expired and I was sent into a frenzy of excitement that carried on for the entire season until they lost in the playoffs.
Slinging strikes to Smitty and Moose and expletives to Rodney Harrison in the Super Bowl.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE7ZBTvrtIA
fight
He always played with heart, and wasn't afraid to lead his team. Like him or not, you gotta respect how he played the game.
When Jack hit Dante Rosario in the back of the endzone to win the game as time expired.
Glad to see the run against the skins last season in the comments. That he beat DeAngelo Hall on the play made it even better. It's almost impossible to argue with the Jacksonville game though. Aside from those two, my favorite memory of Jake was the postgame interview right after losing the Super Bowl. He wasn't whiny or bitter. Sure he was unhappy we lost, but you could tell that he knew that he'd just been a part of one of the most exciting championships ever. Best of luck Jake, I'll always be a fan.
Met Jake at a Carolina Hurricanes game.. Funny not very many people seemed to recognize him. This was during the 2006 Stanley Cup run. Just said can't wait till next year.. he seemed humble and nice enough!! I think they ended up showing him on the jumbotron but I'm not 100% sure. Steve Smith was at a game with his son as well.
My favorite "Jake" moment was the little snippett that they show in the Superbowl and the player says his name, his position and where he matriculated from. Jake over pronounced "Delhomme" with a smart aleck grin. He knew that the sports announcers wouldn't ever say it wrong again. He had arrived. So had we, the Panthers, and Charlotte.
Thanks Jake for bringing us here. It was a great ride.
What can you say about the original Cardiac Cat? Well, my favorite Jake moment is when he won the Charger's game with a last second touchdown. It was the year he was comming off of Tommy-John surgery. He was so excited, you could feel it. I was watching it and I remember screaming so loud, it was such a great feeling in a very exciting game.
My favorite moment of Jake was the one I missed. My dad and I had tickets to the 2003 opener (against Jacksonville), but we guilted into attending an appreciation dinner at church for my grandmother. Even as the church service was starting, everyone bowed their heads to pray and I looked to my dad and said, if we are going to bail, now is the time. We stayed and I am glad we did, but we still caught the game on tv and watched a new star be born that day as Rickey Proehl reeled in the game winning catch with only seconds remaining.
My favorite Delhomme moment was this year against the Redskins when he stiff-armed Deangelo Hall and got the 1st down to seal the first win for the Panthers. Everybody was on his back about how he'd been playing yet he went out and laid it on the line and won the game.
I know I will get grilled for this, but I still loved Jake after 5 interceptions in last years playoff game because he still got excited about the last passes he was making. He knew he had lost the game and I can only imagine the sadness he felt in letting the team and their fans down, but still he keep going and never gave up even though many Panther fans had given up on him long ago. His passion for the game and the fans will be hard to match!!!!
I know I will get grilled for this, but I still loved Jake after 5 interceptions in last years playoff game because he still got excited about the last passes he was making. He knew he had lost the game and I can only imagine the sadness he felt in letting the team and their fans down, but still he keep going and never gave up even though many Panther fans had given up on him long ago. His passion for the game and the fans will be hard to match!!!!
I went to Spartenburg, SC to watch training camp in 2005. It was a super hot day and the players were getting out of parctice. I was at the back of the line to hopefully shake a hand with someone when Jake actually stopped and talked to me for about 2-3 minutes! He is such a nice guy. That was an awesome day at training camp.
My favorite moment was when he brought the team back against San Diego, fresh from Tommy John Surgery. I think that show the determination he had to come back and play at a high level. I think he still has juice left and wish him the best.
A friend and I were at the game against Chargers when Jake threw the winning TD pass to Dante Rosario in the last seconds of the game. We had talked to Jake the day before at the team hotel and my friend asked "How is your boo boo Jake?" Jake laughingly raised his right arm and showed us his scar and said it was better than ever. What an inspirational leader of the Panthers that Cajun was and it will be a long time before another Panther player takes his place in my heart. I even named my little dog Jake three years ago!
My favorite Delhomme moment was the famous wink at the defensive player during one of his many game winning drive. There's a picture out there somewhere that caught that. If that's not cool under pressure, I don't know what is.
Favorite memory of Jake as a player was during the Super Bowl game. But I also should mention I loved him in the Bojangle's commercials. He has a big heart and I hope he finds a new team soon.
My favorite Delhomme moment would be the pass to "Rosario Dawson" in the end zone for the win at the end of the San Diego game in 2008.
My favorite Jake moment was "Clown X" to Smith to beat the Rams. Unfortunately, we tend to remember the negative moments instead of all the positive moments Jake had. I'm afraid you don't know what's gone until it's too late. Here’s to Jake leading another team to the Super Bowl!
After the opening game of the 2009 season against Philadelphia, I wrote a supportive post about Jake Delhomme. I wasn't sure if he saw it, so I sent the post, along with a nice letter to the Carolina Panthers Public Relations Department, along with a picture of my little dog with a Panthers jersey and a makeshift Panthers helmet. I said in my letter that I thought the picture would give Jake a chuckle in what must certainly be a very depressing time for him. I also requested that if it were possible, I would love to have Jake autograph the picture for me. I included what I would like for him to say in the autograph, and 10 days later, the picture came back with the requested autograph. I will always cherish that autographed picture, and I think it epitomizes what kind of a man Jake is. I would be honored to receive a copy of your book!
I'd love a copy. Any chance it will ever be available in the Kindle format? Please.
There are so many favorite game moments so I thought I'd give my favorite personal Jake(even though he wasn't there) memory. It was in Breaux Bridge. My husband and I were on a road trip from Charlotte, through the Gulf and Cajun country, to New Orleans for my birthday and Christmas. We had dinner in Breaux Bridge, both of us wearing our Jake jerseys. My husband felt the need to tell everyone it was my birthday and I refused to spend it anywhere but Breaux Bridge. They pampered me! We must have been the excitement of the week since things are very quite down there in the middle of December ;). Without asking we were given directions to his house, his parents house and a multitude of other family members. The people of Breaux Bridge were wonderful and so proud of Jake. Of course, Jake was back here in Charlotte (this was 2007, after his surgery).
I was at the stadium the day in 2003 when Jake went in for Peete... the mood of the entire team shifted from sleepwalking over to swaggering. The Panthers played like they just received light shining down from the heavens, and the sweetest glow was around Proehle's outstretched hands as the ball landed beautifully within them for the win. That day the Panthers evolved from kittycats to predators. What a sweet ride up until this past season.
My favorite Jake moment was the last second TD pass to Rosario in the 2008 season opener. Going into that game we all had doubts about the surgery and what his arm would be like, but when he hit Rosario with that bullet in the back of the end-zone it was incredible.
I still think Jake has some gas left in the tank. For the first time I will have a second-favorite team this coming season.
Get 'Em Jake!
Gotta be when he replaced Pete against Jacksonville - what a start to a great ride-
My favorite Jake Delhomme memory has to be the double overtime game against St Louis. Jake will be missed. He wasn't perfect but no QB is really perfect. Jake contributed how he needed to when he needed to. That worked during the good years. Then the horrible playoff game against Arizona seemed to be the start of the bad Jake. I honestly thought Carolina would step up in the 2nd half of that Arizona playoff game but then he committed a turnover which took the wind out of the Carolina Panthers sail. I will remember the good years Jake gave the Panthers. His emotional press conference really did show how much he enjoyed playing here. Almost any other pro athlete would never show that type of emotion in this type of situation.
While doing a photo shoot with Jake my sister asked me if she could have her picture made with him. Before I could get the full question out, he started looking for a good background. My sister walked up to him and said, apologetically,"I'm sorry Jake. I'll bet you get asked to do this all the time." He smiled, put his arm around her and said, "It just means I've got a great job!"
Nicest man on the planet. Period.
'08, Season opener, the clock ticks, short completion, short completion, spike the ball, 2 seconds make or break, 2 seconds make or break, One man, throw release, touchdown! GO JAKE!!!
The Panthers entered the playoffs in '08 with that 12-4 record. My sons and I were in Charlotte for Christmas from Germany. My wife was deployed to Afghanistan. My boys and I donned our "Carolina Backfield" jerseys, (#17, #34, & #28), took a couple of pictures, and sent them to the Observer when they were looking for stories relating Panthers fans to deployed military members. A photographer was sent out to the house and we made the front page. I'm going to miss Jake. The #17 will hang on the wall with pride.
My favorite memory of Jake is rescuing the Panthers in that first game against Jacksonville. His confidence and enthusiasm put a fresh charge in a team that looked certain to lose it's opener and pulled out a victory, a magical start.
That touchdown to Dante Rosario against San Diego in the first game of 2008......
My favorite memory of Jake would be hanging on my wall. Since the miracle game against Jacksonville when an undrafted journeyman gave the city of Charlotte an idea of what they would be seeing for close to a decade to come, I have been a huge fan of his tenacity and passion both on the field and off. When I learned he was going to be at an event for my wife's work I knew I had a shot to shake his hand and talk to the man. My father actually grew up in a town not far from his home in LA and so we talked about gumbo, mardi gras and horse racing. Before we parted ways he had me turn around and scrawled his signature across the number 17 jersey I just so happened to be wearing that day. While he'll never be a hall of famer, he's certainly the best QB this town has ever had and with a personality and passion like that, he'll be sorely mised.
he will be missed for his passion, leadership and awesome human qualities. He is the type of person we want our kids to be.
I will miss how after he would throw a TD to steve or anybody else instead of walking to the sidelines (like Peyton) he would sprint to the endzone and headbutt everyone he could find.
Also I will always remember his 4th and 6ish QB roll out/run against the Redskins this past season. He ran over our old enemy DeAngleo Hall. I think that played showed what Delhomme is about. He was having an AWFUL season but never gave up and was always fighting with players and refs in hope of leading his team to a W.
My family moved to Charlotte in Nov. 2003. We are from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Since we moved the season that the Panthers went to the Super Bowl, I was happy to watch and become a fan of my new home team. I was even happier that the star quarterback was a fellow cajun! Since then I have come to love the Panthers! To me there is nothing better than being in the stadium cheering the team on to a win. Jake brought an excitement to the team, to the game. He was such a great team leader and role model! I will miss him terribly! I still wear my Jake jersey proudly!
My favorite Jake moment was during the 09 season, that third down bootleg run to seal the win against the Redskins. It just embodied everything Delhomme was about throughout his career. Never the strongest, quickest, or most accurate, but he could always find a way to pull off a ridiculous play to win a game, sort of like the last play of the san diego game in 08.
Has to be the late touchdown to Ricky Proehl in the Super Bowl. For at least a few minutes at that point in time I believed we might actually win the big one.
I will miss you Jake!
My favorite Jake memory is the San Diego come from behind, last second TD throw to Dante. That showed the heart and determination that I associate with Jake.
Michael Jordan and business leaders need to buy the name "Hornets" from N.O. and become "Charlotte Hornets". N.O can actually select a more regional based name such as the "N.O.Pelicans". LJ Mugsy Zo and Rex can help with marketing . The Charlotte Hornets was once a proud franchise. NBA follow the NFL lead when they allowed Cleveland to get the Browns back. CHARLOTTE HORNETS what good would common sense for it do?
Great post for Jake! be sure to check out my new book also!
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