Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper made some unusual headlines ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday night.
Hours before the first round was set to begin, footage emerged of Tepper confronting a restaurant manager over a sign critical of his past decision-making.
The sign outside of Dilworth Neighborhood Bar and Grill read “Please let the coach & GM pick this year.” The sign was in reference to Tepper’s well-documented tendency of making football decisions. A manager at there restaurant told ESPN Panthers reporter David Newton that Tepper had come inside to talk about it, but didn’t seem “visibly upset.”
Matt Wohlfarth, the restaurant’s owner, told the Charolette Observer the sign went up Monday or Tuesday and said Thursday’s visit wasn’t the first from Tepper.
Since becoming the owner of the Panthers in 2018, Tepper has established himself as one of the worst owners in the NFL. The Panthers have had six straight losing seasons and the owner has already been through three full-time head coaches. They fired Frank Reich after just 11 games with many questioning whether anyone can be successful with Tepper.
On top of the track record, Tepper was also heavily involved in the decision to draft Bryce Young over C.J. Stroud.
As for the 2024 NFL Draft, the Panthers traded into the first round to select South Carolina receiver Xavier Legette at No. 32 Thursday night.
