Panthers Owner David Tepper Faces Off-Field Criticism and On-Field Struggles

Rewritten Article: The Carolina Panthers’ first-round pick in 2024 was acquired by the Chicago Bears through a blockbuster trade last year. In that same draft, the Panthers moved up to select quarterback Bryce Young with the top overall pick but ultimately missed out on C.J. Stroud, who won Rookie of the Year honors for the Cincinnati Bengals. The team has had little success in recent seasons since David Tepper bought the franchise four years ago, with six straight losing campaigns to show for it. However, this is not just a story about football on the field but also involves off-field missteps from Panthers ownership led by Tepper. Before Thursday’s NFL draft began, an external sign outside Dilworth Neighborhood Grille in Charlotte appeared to criticize Tepper and his perceived influence over team decisions regarding player selections. The owner caught wind of it himself when a video captured him entering the bar with another man shortly before 10 p.m., where he took off someone’s Eagles hat during an exchange inside. Although the restaurant’s proprietor, Dave Wohlforth, was not present at that time, he still supports the sign’s message and believes Tepper is taking it to heart. The Panthers did make a trade late in Thursday night’s first round but ultimately picked South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette with the 32nd overall pick of this year’s draft. Last season, following an unsuccessful campaign by the team, another sign outside Dilworth Neighborhood Grille took aim at Tepper: “Meddling owners never win. Run from Jerry Jones.” Additionally, a video circulated on New Year’s Eve that appeared to show Tepper throwing a drink towards Jacksonville Jaguars fans in his luxury suite during an NFL game last year; the league subsequently fined him $300,00 for this behavior.