happysmiles007 Posted April 19, 2005 Share Posted April 19, 2005 Carolina Panther Sam Mills passes away April 18, 2005 Carolina Panthers linebackers coach Sam Mills, who had been diagnosed with intestinal cancer in August 2003, passed away today. He was 45. "Our thoughts, prayers and sympathy are with Sam's family during this most difficult time," said Panthers Owner Jerry Richardson. "Words are inadequate to express what Sam meant to the Panthers organization. We were privileged to have him as a member of our family and we are devastated over this loss." General Manager Marty Hurney said, "You are never going to meet a better person than Sam Mills. He exemplifies everything you are looking for in a human being." Head coach John Fox said, "Sam's passing is an enormous loss. He worked with our staff throughout his illness and was an inspiration to everyone. As a coach, he made the players better. As a friend, he made us all better. Mills played 12 seasons in the NFL and recorded 1,319 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 11 interceptions and four touchdowns while starting 173-of-181 games. He played the first nine seasons of his career with the New Orleans Saints and final three years with the Panthers, earning five Pro Bowl selections, including one with the Panthers in 1996. In recognition of his contributions, Mills became the first former player and the second member of the Panthers Hall of Honor. Already a member of the Halls of Fame for the New Orleans Saints and the state of Louisiana, Mills was elected to the Sports Hall of Fame of New Jersey in 2003. In March of 2005, he accepted the first-ever Ed Block Courage Foundation's Johnny Unitas Tops in Courage Award. Waived by Cleveland in 1981 and Toronto of the CFL in 1982, Mills made his mark as a member of the Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars of the USFL from 1983-85. He was a three-time All-USFL selection and helped the Stars win titles in 1983 and 1984. (source) so sad..he was such an awesome coach as well as a person. i wore both my Keep Pounding bracelets today in honor of him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Test4VitalSigns Posted April 19, 2005 Share Posted April 19, 2005 A great defensive player...especially for such a small guy playing linebacker...R.I.P. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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