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TO CONGRATULATE THE COACHES, PLAYERS, AND FANS OF THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE'S CAROLINA PANTHERS IN SHOWING TREMENDOUS COURAGE, DEDICATION, AND DESIRE DURING THE 2003-2004 SEASON IN ACHIEVING THE FRANCHISE'S FIRST EVER TRIP TO THE SUPER BOWL.
Whereas, on October 26, 1993, after culmination of six years of hard work and dedication, the National Football League owners unanimously awarded Mr. Jerry Richardson the NFL's twenty-ninth franchise, the Carolina Panthers; and
Whereas, two years later the Panthers established a NFL mark for the best first season by a franchise team, finishing with seven wins and nine losses during the 1995 campaign, while playing their home games in Clemson University's Memorial Stadium and earning Head Coach Dom Capers the 1995 Coach of the Year award by Pro Football Weekly; and
Whereas, Carolina's second season resulted in dramatic improvement and a regular season mark of twelve wins and four losses, with no home losses, in their first year at Ericsson Stadium, also earning the NFC West Division Title and beating the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the playoffs after which coach Dom Capers was named the 1996 Coach of the Year by the Associated Press, Sporting News, and USA Today; and
Whereas, after four losing seasons in five years and two coaching changes, first-year coach John Fox improved the Panthers record from only one win in 2001 to seven wins in 2002 establishing one of the fiercest defensive line units in NFL history; and
Whereas, Coach John Fox followed up the 2002 season with an eleven and five record in 2003, earning the Panthers their second trip to the playoffs, and as an underdog throughout the playoffs, garnering wins over Bill Parcells' rejuvenated Dallas Cowboys and the NFC favorite St. Louis Rams in a dramatic overtime game in St. Louis; and
Whereas, the Carolina Panthers then traveled to Philadelphia where they defeated the Eagles in the NFC Championship game earning the Panthers their first ever trip to the Super Bowl to face the AFC Champion New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the coaches, players, and fans of the Carolina Panthers are congratulated for showing tremendous courage, dedication, and desire during the 2003-2004 season in achieving the franchise's first ever trip to the Super Bowl.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Carolina Panthers Organization.
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