Jerry Richardson Turned 80 Today, Was Gifted The Coolest Statue Ever Outside Of The Panthers Stadium

CHARLOTTE – The Carolina Panthers partners scored a touchdown with a monumental gift for team owner Jerry Richardson and his family on the occasion of his 80th birthday, surprising the Richardsons with a sculpture outside Bank of America Stadium depicting him between two newly created versions of the “Indomitable Spirit” panthers that guard the stadium.

“I’m actually speechless. Just overwhelmed,” Richardson said after seeing the sculpture for the first time. “Thank you very much.”
 
The sculpture, created by California artist Todd Andrews and named “The Tribute,” was unveiled to Richardson, his family and Panthers employees at a ceremony Monday outside the stadium’s North Gate.
 
“We are honored to present this extraordinary work of art to Jerry on his 80th birthday,” Panthers partner Jerry Wordsworth said. “It will always represent a symbol of heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the Richardson family for everything they have done for us as partners, fans and the community.”
 

I know most websites will make fun of this for being over the top and absolutely absurd (cough Deadspin cough), but fuck that. This thing is AWESOME. You know what’s cool in life? Being rich. You know what’s even cooler? Owning a pro sports franchise. You know what’s the coolest? Being a super rich guy that owns a pro sports team and has a badass statue of himself flanked by two ferocious Panthers. Someday Jerry Richardson will pass away because everyone dies, but that statue will still be there looking as cool as the day it was created. Anyone who doesn’t like this thing is just jealous they don’t have one themselves. Statue rich is a whole other level of rich.

“Jerry, we made this great statue for you for your birthday”

*Blank stare*

PS

Heads up to the people of North Carolina, stay away from that top Panther.