Fans close to players at training camp

Training camp is one of the best deals in sports.  I watched the fans at

Carolina

’s practice Sunday afternoon, some leaning against a fence, some in the coveted shade of a big tree. They brought coolers and blankets and pens and paper and grandfathers and grandmothers and children.

   It feels like a high school football game. Yet there was one of the sport’s top receivers, Steve Smith, stopping the ball with his left hand and commanding it to remain in the air until he can wrap his right hand around it.

   The fans, who get in free, loved it. They loved the runs DeAngelo Williams made, finding room on the left side and seizing it and then, on the next play, changing directions and losing about 10 defenders.

   They loved the catch Muhsin Muhammad made along the left sideline and the moves of rookie Jonathan Stewart and the Jason Baker punt that has yet to land. This crowd came to cheer. Two kids screamed their support every time Ryne Robinson caught one of Baker’s punts.

   Sunday afternoon was a celebration of football. It was an opportunity to get so close to the Panthers the fans felt as if they knew them.

   No matter where they sit in Bank of America Stadium, they won’t get as close all season.

Comments

[Orange Chuck]

Tom,
Wish I could be out there with you as well. This is the best experience for a fan to be that close and get excited about this team. Unfortunately I am stuck in China Grove but it's great that you and the other guys are out there covering them so that those of us who can't afford the trip can follow along.

[Scott]

Tom,

Thanks for the great coverage you guys are doing on training camp. I have always tried to go to the first weekend of training camp. But I am living in India right now so that makes it difficult. So the coverage gives me the fix I need!

Go Panthers!

[Catsnmbr1fan]

Thanks Tom...Great coverage....

[Dave]

Coolest moment for me was after the first Saturday practice, watching Smith and Muhammed toss the ball back and forth for a few minutes then walk off the field together.

[iamhubby]

hey Tom, thanks for the input. Always good to hear something in regards to the Panthers. Keep up the good work.

Go Cats!and Jake!

[iamhubby]

Hey Tom, thanks for the input. Always good to hear something in regards to the Panthers. Keep up the good work.

Go Cats! and Jake!