A bizarre story involving ESPN NFL “insider” Adam Schefter, C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans, and… the wife of Panthers owner David Tepper is making the rounds out of both Bristol and Carolina. During an interview on “Pardon My Take,” Schefter tries to pull a charming face when he says that Nicole Tepper, the wife of troubled Panthers owner David Tepper, was a “big C.J. Stroud fan” before the NFL Draft in April of last year. “I like to make fun of the owner, but if you’re the Panthers and you made that trade, his wife was a major fan of C.J. Stroud. Schefter stated, “She approves of C.J. Stroud.”
With that first-round selection, the Panthers had a number of alternatives. Trade concepts were being discussed. That was as simple as picking Ohio State quarterback Stroud.
Ultimately, though, Carolina selected Young, who had a difficult first season despite playing for one of the worst teams in the NFL. Sacks posed a challenge. There was an issue with coaching. Wins posed an issue. Perhaps ownership was and still is an issue. Naturally, the Carolina choice forced Houston to select a different quarterback at No. 2 in 2023, and that player happened to be Stroud, who led the Texans to a division title and postseason appearance while having a remarkable rookie season.
The Texans turn around from Deshaun Watson’s nearly excellent period to a new era full of promise, and they win brilliantly.
Likewise, in Carolina? The entire narrative seems awful. Why is Tepper being “teasing” by Schefter? Why does the organization vote for Mrs. Tepper? And how can the Panthers ever win if they keep hinting at their discontent with Young?
