I was looking over my recent entries, and I realized that I sounded a little ungrateful in regard to the Carolina Panthers. I felt really bad about that. Those guys gave their hearts and souls and fought their way all the way to the Super Bowl. It's not just a consolation to say that it’s something just that they were there at all. I’m proud of the Carolina Panthers.

I suppose I’m dealing with new sensations here. We’ve had professional teams in the Carolinas, with the Panthers and the Charlotte Hornets (now the New Orleans Hornets, and good riddance). Both had their moments, but didn’t amount to much. And so no one really expected much. Unlike the Patriots, we have no championship history to look back upon. And so it was strange for us locals to grasp the fact that our Carolina Panthers had become a world power. When they lost, we were all bitterly disappointed, but it wasn’t a reflection on the team. I think we all suddenly found ourselves feeling something that we hadn’t felt before.

I’ve always supported the Carolina Panthers simply because they were the local team. But after watching the run that they made this year, I’ve become a genuine fan. These guys gave it all, and, irregardless of the outcome, they deserve our respect.

They certainly have mine. Thanks, guys.