Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper
As the Carolina Panthers‘ front office prepared for the 2024 NFL Draft, team owner David Tepper diverted his attention to a local establishment, Dilworth Neighborhood Grille in Charlotte, drawn in by a conspicuous sign addressing his involvement in the draft process:
“Please let the coach and GM pick this year.”
Surveillance footage shared by restaurant owner Matt Wohlfarth with WBTV in Charlotte captured Tepper entering the establishment, engaging with a manager, and playfully removing the manager’s hat. Wohlfarth, taking responsibility for the sign, informed WBTV that Tepper removed the hat due to it bearing the emblem of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Tepper’s demeanor in the video appeared jovial, and the manager noted that Tepper handled the situation amiably.
Tepper has been known for his assertive disposition, evidenced by a previous incident where he was fined $300,000 in January for what was deemed “unacceptable conduct” after a video depicted him tossing a drink into the crowd during the Panthers’ away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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In a 2010 New York Magazine feature, Tepper was quoted discussing his attitude towards instances of perceived rudeness, stating, “Sometimes, if someone is an a——, like a waiter at a restaurant, I think, I could just buy this place and fire that guy.”
Wohlfarth’s sign echoed the sentiments of many Panthers fans ahead of the 2024 draft, following the repercussions of the team’s decisions in the 2023 draft.
In 2023, Carolina traded their No. 9 overall pick, a second-rounder for 2023, a first-rounder for 2024, a second-rounder for 2025, and wide receiver D.J. Moore to the Bears in exchange for the No. 1 pick, ultimately selecting Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. The Panthers concluded the 2023 season with a league-worst 2-15 record, paving the way for the Bears to acquire this year’s No. 1 overall pick, which they utilized to draft USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
In November, Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk reported that Tepper opted for Young over Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud in the 2023 draft, with other Panthers staff members aligning with his decision to avoid discord.
Looking forward, Wohlfarth expressed optimism regarding Tepper’s progress as an owner, stating, “Everything I’ve heard this year leads me to believe that he is taking that to heart.” In reference to his sign, he emphasized the need for assurance.
Regarding the Panthers’ draft activity, the team traded into the first round late Thursday night, moving from No. 33 overall to No. 32 in a deal with the Buffalo Bills, ultimately selecting South Carolina receiver Xavier Legette.
