There’s much to like about the new Nike-manufactured NFL uniforms, notwithstanding the Seahawks’ new psychedelic Rollerball ensemble.
The thing I like most about the jerseys will never be seen during a game.
As pointed out by Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer, the phrase “KEEP POUNDING” is stitched into the interior trim of the neck area on the new Panthers jerseys.
It was a phrase used by the late Sam Mills, a Panthers linebacker and assistant coach who died of cancer in 2005. Per Fowler, Mills gave a stirring pre-game speech the night before a 2003 playoff win over the Cowboys.
“When I found out I had cancer, there were two things I could do -- quit or keep pounding,” Mills said. “I’m a fighter. I kept pounding. You’re fighters, too. Keep pounding.”
Years after Mills’ passing, it’s great that he’s still remembered. And it’s incredible that the team saw fit to do so by including the “KEEP POUNDING” message inside every jersey that every member of the team will wear.
