As the 2023 NFL Draft approached, a sign posted at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille in Charlotte, North Carolina, had a message directed at Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper to let the coach and general manager make the picks this year. Tepper, known for his hands-on approach to team decisions, visited the restaurant before the draft and inquired about the sign’s creator, but the owner had already left for the day. The sign’s creator, Matt Wohlfarth, a long-time season-ticket holder, saw the interaction as more light-hearted than serious, even though Tepper had previously been angered by a similar sign condemning meddling owners.
Despite criticism for his involvement in team decisions, Tepper has continued to make bold moves, such as trading into the first round of the draft and selecting South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette. The Panthers’ performance under Tepper’s ownership has been lackluster, with a 31-68 record and no playoff appearances since he purchased the team from Jerry Richardson in 2018. Critics argue that his meddling in team decisions has contributed to the team’s struggles, and Tepper’s behavior has sometimes drawn negative attention.
In addition to criticism for his involvement in team decisions, Tepper faced backlash for an incident during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2023 season. Following a 26-0 loss, Tepper threw a drink toward Jaguars fans from a luxury box, resulting in a $300,000 fine from the NFL. This incident added to the perception of Tepper as a meddling owner prone to impulsive actions, and further fueled debate about his leadership style and the impact on the Carolina Panthers’ performance.
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding Tepper’s ownership, he has continued to make moves aimed at improving the team’s performance. The selection of Xavier Legette in the draft reflects Tepper’s commitment to building a competitive roster, even if it means trading into the first round to secure a promising talent. While Tepper’s hands-on approach has drawn criticism, his willingness to take risks and make bold decisions may ultimately benefit the Panthers as they strive to achieve success on the field.
The interaction between Tepper and the restaurant owner over the sign’s message highlights the tension between fans’ desire for a more hands-off owner and Tepper’s desire to have a say in team decisions. As the Panthers continue to navigate challenges on and off the field, including criticism of Tepper’s management style, the team’s future success may hinge on finding the right balance between owner involvement and allowing football experts to make decisions that will lead to winning outcomes. Ultimately, the message on the sign at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate about ownership’s role in shaping a team’s destiny and the impact of that dynamic on the Carolina Panthers’ performance in the competitive NFL landscape.
