With only 17 days left until the 2023 NFL draft, let’s take a moment to remember one of our past heroes, Jake Delhomme, who famously wore the number 17 on his jersey. Delhomme was a quarterback who hailed from Louisiana, and his Cajun accent was just as iconic as his gunslinger attitude on the field. John Fox described him as “a riverboat gambler, but he’s our riverboat gambler. He’s got ice water in his veins, he loves the big stage, he’s just a tough, hard-nosed competitor.”
Delhomme’s road to becoming a starter in the NFL was a difficult one. After going undrafted in 1997, he played in various professional football leagues before finally making his way to the Carolina Panthers in 2003. Despite facing many setbacks and obstacles along the way, Delhomme never gave up on his dream of becoming a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Once he made it to Carolina, Delhomme quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his fiery passion and his willingness to take risks on the field. He was known for his gunslinger attitude and his ability to make big plays when it mattered most. One of his most memorable performances came in the 2003 playoffs, when he led the Panthers to an upset victory over the St. Louis Rams with a remarkable three touchdown passes.
Delhomme’s passion for the game and his never-give-up attitude inspired many fans and teammates alike. He remains a beloved figure in Panthers history, and his legacy continues to inspire the team to this day.
As we gear up for the 2023 NFL draft, let’s remember the hard work and dedication of our past heroes like Jake Delhomme, and let’s look forward to the new players who will help us continue to make history on the field. #KeepPounding #NFLDraft #17DaysToGo
By Tony Dunn
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