This week on a Happy Half Hour.

This week on a Happy Half Hour.

They're still putting together the rest of the defense. They'll go add pass rusher, they'll add probably another defensive climb, and certainly they're gonna bring more bodies in in the secondary. I wouldn't expect all, but I would expect most of that nine man draft class would concentrate on defense because that's the place they've got to make the most ground up.

They're still putting together the rest of the defense. They'll go add pass rusher, they'll add probably another defensive climb, and certainly they're gonna bring more bodies in in the secondary. I wouldn't expect all, but I would expect most of that nine man draft class would concentrate on defense because that's the place they've got to make the most ground up.

What's up, Cow, It's time for the Happy Half Hour, presented by Southern Star, an official bourbon of the Carolina Panthers. Here are your hosts, Darren Gant and Cassidy Hill.

What's up, Cow, It's time for the Happy Half Hour, presented by Southern Star, an official bourbon of the Carolina Panthers. Here are your hosts, Darren Gant and Cassidy Hill.

Hello, friends, Welcome to another edition of the Happy Half Hour. This is gonna be an international edition. We're gonna be all over the globe. We're gonna go everywhere from Columbia, South Carolina to Germany to Green Bay and back. We got so much to cover, so this is gonna be a jam packed episode, which means we're very grateful to be brought to you by our friends from Southern Star Bourbon, an official bourbon partner of the Carolina Panthers. Celebrate the spirit of the Carolinas.

Hello, friends, Welcome to another edition of the Happy Half Hour. This is gonna be an international edition. We're gonna be all over the globe. We're gonna go everywhere from Columbia, South Carolina to Germany to Green Bay and back. We got so much to cover, so this is gonna be a jam packed episode, which means we're very grateful to be brought to you by our friends from Southern Star Bourbon, an official bourbon partner of the Carolina Panthers. Celebrate the spirit of the Carolinas.

Charlotte, North Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, Germany, Green Bay Wesconssin that's like the weirdest game of Immaculate Grid ever played.

Charlotte, North Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, Germany, Green Bay Wesconssin that's like the weirdest game of Immaculate Grid ever played.

Yeah, it's a lot, but there's been a lot going on in the last couple of weeks. I mean, I was just looking back in the archives. We actually haven't taped one of these since free Agencies started. Oh by the way, they've only turned over the roster since then since a little bit to talk about since we talked last. I just sometimes I have to even do it. Sometimes I pull up the transactions page on Panthers dot Com and our tracker just to remind myself of everything that's happened, because it's been a lot. I mean, if you think about it since we last joined you, they re signed Cade May's Austin Corbett, Brady Christiansen, Mike Jackson, j C. Horn, Tommy Tremble, went out and got a brand new punter in Sam Martin, agreed to terms with six other free agents from other teams, including tersha On Wharton, Bobby Brown, Patrick Jones, trave I'm married, Christian rose Boom and Rico Dudel, and then brought back her old friends Dan Chasina and David Moore.

Yeah, it's a lot, but there's been a lot going on in the last couple of weeks. I mean, I was just looking back in the archives. We actually haven't taped one of these since free Agencies started. Oh by the way, they've only turned over the roster since then since a little bit to talk about since we talked last. I just sometimes I have to even do it. Sometimes I pull up the transactions page on Panthers dot Com and our tracker just to remind myself of everything that's happened, because it's been a lot. I mean, if you think about it since we last joined you, they re signed Cade May's Austin Corbett, Brady Christiansen, Mike Jackson, j C. Horn, Tommy Tremble, went out and got a brand new punter in Sam Martin, agreed to terms with six other free agents from other teams, including tersha On Wharton, Bobby Brown, Patrick Jones, trave I'm married, Christian rose Boom and Rico Dudel, and then brought back her old friends Dan Chasina and David Moore.

Yay Corbett in there.

Yay Corbett in there.

Yeah, Austin Corbett in there. There was a lot of stuff going on. Dang, it really was. And last week was one of those I know, we talk on this podcast from time to time during a regular season, we kind of get in ruts where it's like, what day is this, I don't know what week is it? Time is lost all meaning. But last week rolled in. We rolled in here Monday morning early, and it started early, and it kept going till about the middle of the afternoon Friday when everybody was just exhausted and it all stopped.

Yeah, Austin Corbett in there. There was a lot of stuff going on. Dang, it really was. And last week was one of those I know, we talk on this podcast from time to time during a regular season, we kind of get in ruts where it's like, what day is this, I don't know what week is it? Time is lost all meaning. But last week rolled in. We rolled in here Monday morning early, and it started early, and it kept going till about the middle of the afternoon Friday when everybody was just exhausted and it all stopped.

I went home Friday afternoon, I put away my computer, I put away my phone, and I didn't speak to anyone for twenty four hours. It was It was nice, yeah, but it was a fun week. It's always fun to get new guys in here. Like the first day of school. I'm mean, no, no, it's not the firstday school. It's more like the preview day, you know, when you go like a week before the first day of school and you meet your teacher and you meet your classmates, you see where Jess is going to be. It was the preview days, So it was a lot of fun just to kind of meet the new guys and figure out who they are off the field as well, and we'll figure out who they are on the field here soon.

I went home Friday afternoon, I put away my computer, I put away my phone, and I didn't speak to anyone for twenty four hours. It was It was nice, yeah, but it was a fun week. It's always fun to get new guys in here. Like the first day of school. I'm mean, no, no, it's not the firstday school. It's more like the preview day, you know, when you go like a week before the first day of school and you meet your teacher and you meet your classmates, you see where Jess is going to be. It was the preview days, So it was a lot of fun just to kind of meet the new guys and figure out who they are off the field as well, and we'll figure out who they are on the field here soon.

Yeah, And basically, as we discussed when we were advancing free agency, they were intent on remaking that defense from the back of the front, and they did. They took the big swings early. You go get a Wharton and a Brown to supplement your Derek Brown's, your A'shawn Robinson's, and suddenly you've got something they did not have at any point last year, which is a competition for jobs and b depth going into a season, being able to being able to roll those defensive linemen, being able to rotate six guys through there is going to make a huge difference defensively. And as you may have heard if you followed this team last year, the run defense was a little bit of an issue, and that's arts up front. But now they've got dudes, and that's the biggest difference to me out of everything that happened in the last week and a half.

Yeah, And basically, as we discussed when we were advancing free agency, they were intent on remaking that defense from the back of the front, and they did. They took the big swings early. You go get a Wharton and a Brown to supplement your Derek Brown's, your A'shawn Robinson's, and suddenly you've got something they did not have at any point last year, which is a competition for jobs and b depth going into a season, being able to being able to roll those defensive linemen, being able to rotate six guys through there is going to make a huge difference defensively. And as you may have heard if you followed this team last year, the run defense was a little bit of an issue, and that's arts up front. But now they've got dudes, and that's the biggest difference to me out of everything that happened in the last week and a half.

You know who I think is the happiest person in Charlotte, North Carolina right now? Actually I don't know where he's at. Let's just for sake of the story, say, Charlotte, North Carolina is Ashawn Robinson.

You know who I think is the happiest person in Charlotte, North Carolina right now? Actually I don't know where he's at. Let's just for sake of the story, say, Charlotte, North Carolina is Ashawn Robinson.

Ayshawn tired.

Ayshawn tired.

Hashn is tired.

Hashn is tired.

He's tired. Last year, that man played about seven hundred and fifty snaps, which is basically two hundred and fifty more than he had played the year before or in any year, and you could tell the end of the year he was gassed. Now, credit now, he did it right. Credit to him for going out and doing it week after week after week and being that old head they needed on that defense.

He's tired. Last year, that man played about seven hundred and fifty snaps, which is basically two hundred and fifty more than he had played the year before or in any year, and you could tell the end of the year he was gassed. Now, credit now, he did it right. Credit to him for going out and doing it week after week after week and being that old head they needed on that defense.

But now he never complained.

But now he never complained.

Right now he doesn't have to do it every single snap, and that ought to mean you get a better version of him coming into this year.

Right now he doesn't have to do it every single snap, and that ought to mean you get a better version of him coming into this year.

Right.

Right.

That's exciting for sure. A little bit more consistency. They are a little bit more girth in the interior line to go along with Derek Brown, as you said, Yeah, you also mentioned kind of building it back to front, bringing in Uh. I've tried to say it so many times and I need to get it right. Out of respect Marig Marrig, Marrig Marrick Marrig, I made it much stuffer than it is.

That's exciting for sure. A little bit more consistency. They are a little bit more girth in the interior line to go along with Derek Brown, as you said, Yeah, you also mentioned kind of building it back to front, bringing in Uh. I've tried to say it so many times and I need to get it right. Out of respect Marig Marrig, Marrig Marrick Marrig, I made it much stuffer than it is.

I always want to put a g in it. Tame.

I always want to put a g in it. Tame.

I want to put and I want to put it here in there for some reason.

I want to put and I want to put it here in there for some reason.

Yeah, he is not marrying. It's marrig he.

Yeah, he is not marrying. It's marrig he.

Uh. He's an intriguing little signing because he's a safety and he's a but he's a safety who has also played corner, and he has a safety who played last year up near the line of scrimmage, had one hundred and four tackles up there. I don't know what that means necessarily for Charles, for Shaw Smith Wade. I wouldn't be surprised if they figured out a way to get them both out there. We're getting way way ahead of ourselves. Yeah, but I'm excited to see what they do with him because he has shown the ability to play every defensive back position. Obviously, with only one safety under contract, that's where he he's needed the most.

Uh. He's an intriguing little signing because he's a safety and he's a but he's a safety who has also played corner, and he has a safety who played last year up near the line of scrimmage, had one hundred and four tackles up there. I don't know what that means necessarily for Charles, for Shaw Smith Wade. I wouldn't be surprised if they figured out a way to get them both out there. We're getting way way ahead of ourselves. Yeah, but I'm excited to see what they do with him because he has shown the ability to play every defensive back position. Obviously, with only one safety under contract, that's where he he's needed the most.

Yep.

Yep.

But he can he can be kind of moved around and so well.

But he can he can be kind of moved around and so well.

And again, this thing is far from finish. The Panthers are sitting there now with sixty seven guys under contract. You're going to add nine draft picks to that. That gets you to seventy.

And again, this thing is far from finish. The Panthers are sitting there now with sixty seven guys under contract. You're going to add nine draft picks to that. That gets you to seventy.

Six.

Six.

Watching you do math in real time, it's one of my favorite things to do.

Watching you do math in real time, it's one of my favorite things to do.

It's it's seventy six it's not watching.

It's it's seventy six it's not watching.

You soccer when your kids are four years old and everybody goes to kick the ball and it's slow motion right until the one burst of frenetic motion. That's Cassidy doing math in real time.

You soccer when your kids are four years old and everybody goes to kick the ball and it's slow motion right until the one burst of frenetic motion. That's Cassidy doing math in real time.

I have to picture a chalkboard in my mind. This is how I do math. I picture a chalkboard in my mind, and I picture my first grade teacher like writing it out on the board, and like I have to like follow her as she does it. So it just takes me a minute.

I have to picture a chalkboard in my mind. This is how I do math. I picture a chalkboard in my mind, and I picture my first grade teacher like writing it out on the board, and like I have to like follow her as she does it. So it just takes me a minute.

But the point is sixty seven on the roster right now, which means seventy six seventy six once you add draft picks. That's right, she's doing great. Gang, we're all very proud of her. Once they signed some undrafted guys. But this roster's far from finished. As you mentioned, there's two safeties on the roster at the moment, and merrig and Demani Richardson, they're still putting together the rest of the defense they're gonna have to go. They'll go add pass rusher, they'll add probably another defensive lineman. Certainly they're gonna bring more bodies in in the secondary. I think a good portion. I wouldn't expect all, but I would expect most of that nine man draft class would concentrate on defense because that's the place they've got to make the most ground up. I mean, you know, they broke all the wrong kind of records last year, and JC talked about that, and that's the big news out of all this. I mean, for all the other stuff we've talked about, those are all it's almost like adding fiber to the defense. I mean, not to say they're not good players, but they needed players in bulk. But signing j C. Horn was a statement of intent. I mean, for about a week there, he was the highest paid corner in history until somebody else comes up and makes more money or reported money, because that's the way this thing. They already beat him, but yeah, Stingley in Houston, you know, topped him on average per year. But the point is the Carolina Panthers made the effort to go out and do JC now for the same reason they did Derek a year ago. That's what they want to be about. He's the kind of player they want to build this thing around. Because for all this stuff on defense, it's hard to say it was jac Horn's fault because he was doing his business, you know, as you've pointed out before him and Mike Jack, who's also back led the league in pass breakups for a pair of corners. So things are beginning to stabilize. But if you want to be that draft and develop team, when you get those guys like Derek, like JC, you've got to extend them and they become kind of those torch bearers for the next generation.

But the point is sixty seven on the roster right now, which means seventy six seventy six once you add draft picks. That's right, she's doing great. Gang, we're all very proud of her. Once they signed some undrafted guys. But this roster's far from finished. As you mentioned, there's two safeties on the roster at the moment, and merrig and Demani Richardson, they're still putting together the rest of the defense they're gonna have to go. They'll go add pass rusher, they'll add probably another defensive lineman. Certainly they're gonna bring more bodies in in the secondary. I think a good portion. I wouldn't expect all, but I would expect most of that nine man draft class would concentrate on defense because that's the place they've got to make the most ground up. I mean, you know, they broke all the wrong kind of records last year, and JC talked about that, and that's the big news out of all this. I mean, for all the other stuff we've talked about, those are all it's almost like adding fiber to the defense. I mean, not to say they're not good players, but they needed players in bulk. But signing j C. Horn was a statement of intent. I mean, for about a week there, he was the highest paid corner in history until somebody else comes up and makes more money or reported money, because that's the way this thing. They already beat him, but yeah, Stingley in Houston, you know, topped him on average per year. But the point is the Carolina Panthers made the effort to go out and do JC now for the same reason they did Derek a year ago. That's what they want to be about. He's the kind of player they want to build this thing around. Because for all this stuff on defense, it's hard to say it was jac Horn's fault because he was doing his business, you know, as you've pointed out before him and Mike Jack, who's also back led the league in pass breakups for a pair of corners. So things are beginning to stabilize. But if you want to be that draft and develop team, when you get those guys like Derek, like JC, you've got to extend them and they become kind of those torch bearers for the next generation.

Of this thing.

Of this thing.

That's exactly what I was about to say, kind of what you just touched on was you know, this also tells the guys that are coming in here, It tells the guys that they drafted last year, tells whoever these nine are going to be in April this year that if you put the work in, you will be rewarded here. And obviously things happen. You can't predict every single thing that's going to happen in a football career, but you know, you look at Derrick Brown, you look at jac Horn. These were first droun guys that came in that put the work in, that did their part. Obviously both had some injuries at different times, but did their best to get back on the field and then prove that they were worth that first dround pick, and they were both rewarded for it. That sends a message to anyone else coming in here.

That's exactly what I was about to say, kind of what you just touched on was you know, this also tells the guys that are coming in here, It tells the guys that they drafted last year, tells whoever these nine are going to be in April this year that if you put the work in, you will be rewarded here. And obviously things happen. You can't predict every single thing that's going to happen in a football career, but you know, you look at Derrick Brown, you look at jac Horn. These were first droun guys that came in that put the work in, that did their part. Obviously both had some injuries at different times, but did their best to get back on the field and then prove that they were worth that first dround pick, and they were both rewarded for it. That sends a message to anyone else coming in here.

Yeah, no doubt. And j C is aware of his place in this thing now. He and I talked last week about kind of him taking over as a leader of this team, and he talked about the lesson Shack Thompson taught him years ago. Shaq pulled him into huddles and places he wasn't prepared to go to get him ready for moments exactly like this, and I think jac has been learning this as he goes. He admitted at times last year he's like, I don't think about myself as a leader because I'm still trying to they on the field and achieve at a certain level, So I don't think about telling other people what to do. But you know, good news, with a contract like this, JC, you're the guy now. You and Derek are the people who are gonna have to carry that on. And I thought it was interesting hearing him talk about Shaq and the impact Shaq had on him, because I do think those people like Shaq Thompson, who act as bridges from one generation to the next, have a real importance to an organization, because you know, Shaq was out there with a couple of guys named Thomas Davis and Luke Keigley on a daily basis, and so he knows the history of this place. He knows what it takes to be successful and perform at a high level. He passed that on to JC and Derek. They're going to be responsible for passing it on to the next generation.

Yeah, no doubt. And j C is aware of his place in this thing now. He and I talked last week about kind of him taking over as a leader of this team, and he talked about the lesson Shack Thompson taught him years ago. Shaq pulled him into huddles and places he wasn't prepared to go to get him ready for moments exactly like this, and I think jac has been learning this as he goes. He admitted at times last year he's like, I don't think about myself as a leader because I'm still trying to they on the field and achieve at a certain level, So I don't think about telling other people what to do. But you know, good news, with a contract like this, JC, you're the guy now. You and Derek are the people who are gonna have to carry that on. And I thought it was interesting hearing him talk about Shaq and the impact Shaq had on him, because I do think those people like Shaq Thompson, who act as bridges from one generation to the next, have a real importance to an organization, because you know, Shaq was out there with a couple of guys named Thomas Davis and Luke Keigley on a daily basis, and so he knows the history of this place. He knows what it takes to be successful and perform at a high level. He passed that on to JC and Derek. They're going to be responsible for passing it on to the next generation.

That story he told you about Shaq pulling him into huddles when he wasn't expecting it was such a great story, one anecdote and just a peek into the intent behind Shaq Thompson's decisions at times. And you know, I wish the best to Shack is he kind of sees where his football career takes him next. But moments like that are what build a franchise. And so all respect to Shack for.

That story he told you about Shaq pulling him into huddles when he wasn't expecting it was such a great story, one anecdote and just a peek into the intent behind Shaq Thompson's decisions at times. And you know, I wish the best to Shack is he kind of sees where his football career takes him next. But moments like that are what build a franchise. And so all respect to Shack for.

That, no doubt, no doubt. And pretty soon we're going to be shifting gears in straight into draft mode because free agency. Hey it's over. Yeah, like you said, I mean Friday afternoon, when I saw Dan Morgan leaving this place at a time slightly before five pm, perhaps I was like, all right, we're closed up for the day. Gang, let's go home. But free agency's basically over. The Panthers have done the bulk of the work. They'll fill in some blanks. Like I said, since that burst, they brought David Moore back. I think it's good to have David back in the building just because he's so good for all those young kids.

That, no doubt, no doubt. And pretty soon we're going to be shifting gears in straight into draft mode because free agency. Hey it's over. Yeah, like you said, I mean Friday afternoon, when I saw Dan Morgan leaving this place at a time slightly before five pm, perhaps I was like, all right, we're closed up for the day. Gang, let's go home. But free agency's basically over. The Panthers have done the bulk of the work. They'll fill in some blanks. Like I said, since that burst, they brought David Moore back. I think it's good to have David back in the building just because he's so good for all those young kids.

He's such a steady like he's a steady heartbeat when things peak or when valleys get low, David is always steady.

He's such a steady like he's a steady heartbeat when things peak or when valleys get low, David is always steady.

He knows what Dave Canalis wants, and that's why Dave keeps dragging him around from place to place. He Adam in Seattle, he took him to Tampa and he brought him here. So David is you know, he's good for big plays, he can get downfield, he can still run for a thirty year old, and uh, you know, he's just got that mindset that you want in that room, along with Xavier and Jalen Cocher and probably young people who are too join this team in the coming weeks. So with that said, as we transition to draft mode, we had a very special opportunity this week to talk to a couple of guys who are going to be at the draft. Check this out and as promised, friends of the Happy Half Hour, we got special guest here today. And not just any guests. These are international guests. And not just international guest, but the international fans of the year, ladies and gentlemen, Kai boy Kling, Moritz Heist, the Panthers international fans of the Year. Welcome guys.

He knows what Dave Canalis wants, and that's why Dave keeps dragging him around from place to place. He Adam in Seattle, he took him to Tampa and he brought him here. So David is you know, he's good for big plays, he can get downfield, he can still run for a thirty year old, and uh, you know, he's just got that mindset that you want in that room, along with Xavier and Jalen Cocher and probably young people who are too join this team in the coming weeks. So with that said, as we transition to draft mode, we had a very special opportunity this week to talk to a couple of guys who are going to be at the draft. Check this out and as promised, friends of the Happy Half Hour, we got special guest here today. And not just any guests. These are international guests. And not just international guest, but the international fans of the year, ladies and gentlemen, Kai boy Kling, Moritz Heist, the Panthers international fans of the Year. Welcome guys.

Thank you for having us.

Thank you for having us.

Absolutely yeah, thank you, absolutely great to have you guys. And I got to tell you I've talked to y'all in the past before. We'll try to overcome the language barrier between the American South and German. We'll do our best. Just be glad I don't have Cassidy with this. When she's from Alabama. It's even harder to understand. Trust me on that one. Well, I guess the first question I have. I mean, you guys have been at this since twenty nineteen. You've been involved in the community since twenty nineteen. You've got to keep talking podcast. Tell me, in a very basic sense, why the Carolina Panthers. How did you guys end up Carolina Panthers fans?

Absolutely yeah, thank you, absolutely great to have you guys. And I got to tell you I've talked to y'all in the past before. We'll try to overcome the language barrier between the American South and German. We'll do our best. Just be glad I don't have Cassidy with this. When she's from Alabama. It's even harder to understand. Trust me on that one. Well, I guess the first question I have. I mean, you guys have been at this since twenty nineteen. You've been involved in the community since twenty nineteen. You've got to keep talking podcast. Tell me, in a very basic sense, why the Carolina Panthers. How did you guys end up Carolina Panthers fans?

I think Kaya has to start because he's much more longer at Pantas fans than I am, so Kya the story.

I think Kaya has to start because he's much more longer at Pantas fans than I am, so Kya the story.

Yeah, okay, I'm pretty much a Patis fan since the beginning of the franchise. I'm a football fan since I was young, and the time the Panas came to the league, I searched the team I can I can cheer for, and the Carolina Panthers were there and where my team from very much the beginning.

Yeah, okay, I'm pretty much a Patis fan since the beginning of the franchise. I'm a football fan since I was young, and the time the Panas came to the league, I searched the team I can I can cheer for, and the Carolina Panthers were there and where my team from very much the beginning.

That's great, March, how about you.

That's great, March, how about you.

It's less romantic than that. So when I started to getting into football, came after a vacation in the United States and I went to a preseason game between the Giants and the Jets. So, yeah, it's not that that kind of entertaining, but I want to understand the rules and get into American football. And then I thought, okay, I need a team to follow the league and to follow the sport. And then I had to look at different teams and some friends gave me advice. And then I looked at the Panthers and said, okay, this is the cool that this team got cool colors, their cool jerseys, the black and the blue, and big heads I like. And yeah, my friends at a and they had this crazy quarterback, it's Cam Newton. You should follow this team. And then I followed the team and yeah, didn't take that much time, and I fell in love and now we're here.

It's less romantic than that. So when I started to getting into football, came after a vacation in the United States and I went to a preseason game between the Giants and the Jets. So, yeah, it's not that that kind of entertaining, but I want to understand the rules and get into American football. And then I thought, okay, I need a team to follow the league and to follow the sport. And then I had to look at different teams and some friends gave me advice. And then I looked at the Panthers and said, okay, this is the cool that this team got cool colors, their cool jerseys, the black and the blue, and big heads I like. And yeah, my friends at a and they had this crazy quarterback, it's Cam Newton. You should follow this team. And then I followed the team and yeah, didn't take that much time, and I fell in love and now we're here.

That's awesome and one of the things that's fascinating to me. I mean, growing up in the United States following American sports, it's easy for us to follow American sports, but in watching international soccer and following Harry Kane to Bayern Munich that kind of stuff. Learning about those other cultures, you realize how much effort it takes. I mean, you've got to really try to be an American football fan in Germany. You know, as you guys have expanded and kind of developed that community, how do you guys stay plugged in?

That's awesome and one of the things that's fascinating to me. I mean, growing up in the United States following American sports, it's easy for us to follow American sports, but in watching international soccer and following Harry Kane to Bayern Munich that kind of stuff. Learning about those other cultures, you realize how much effort it takes. I mean, you've got to really try to be an American football fan in Germany. You know, as you guys have expanded and kind of developed that community, how do you guys stay plugged in?

Yeah, it's easier the last years. You can follow football, American football around here, every everywhere, so it's it's it is becoming easier. Since the nineties. For example, I played football by myself, so I'm good in this spart I know very much about it. Yeah, but the last years we're very easy to follow the part over here. It's becoming bigger and bigger.

Yeah, it's easier the last years. You can follow football, American football around here, every everywhere, so it's it's it is becoming easier. Since the nineties. For example, I played football by myself, so I'm good in this spart I know very much about it. Yeah, but the last years we're very easy to follow the part over here. It's becoming bigger and bigger.

I think one of the things that was so cool for me about being in Munich last year was the tangible sense of passion about American football there and the Carolina Panthers in particular. I mean everywhere you went, there were people where in jerseys and just being in the stadium that day, the passion was incredible. I love the singing. This is one thing I want to bring to the United States. I want to bring the way you guys sing in stadium back home and do that every week.

I think one of the things that was so cool for me about being in Munich last year was the tangible sense of passion about American football there and the Carolina Panthers in particular. I mean everywhere you went, there were people where in jerseys and just being in the stadium that day, the passion was incredible. I love the singing. This is one thing I want to bring to the United States. I want to bring the way you guys sing in stadium back home and do that every week.

I mean, it's a special kind of a culture thing, especially in the European soccer community. The singing and the stance. I think it's very special. And I've seen a lot of American guys, especially after the Unique game, who was kind of overwhelmed about this kind of yeah hype inside the stands.

I mean, it's a special kind of a culture thing, especially in the European soccer community. The singing and the stance. I think it's very special. And I've seen a lot of American guys, especially after the Unique game, who was kind of overwhelmed about this kind of yeah hype inside the stands.

It really was. It was such a cool environment. I mean, and how did how did Country Roads take me home? How did John Denver become the official theme song of American football?

It really was. It was such a cool environment. I mean, and how did how did Country Roads take me home? How did John Denver become the official theme song of American football?

I think I was live at the beginning of his second career inside the German stadium the first NFL game in Germany, the Seahawks played against the Buccaneers. It was in Munich, two or three years ago. I think they they played it after I think after a timeout during a timeout, And so yeah, the Germans and especially the Bavarian people liked it and they started singing, and the game on the field, it goes on and Tom Brady through a pass and everything is in. The entire crowd didn't stop singing. And I think this was the most surprising thing, especially for the Americans, that the Germans didn't stop singing when Tom Brady plays the ball. So maybe that was the Yeah, the birthday of Country Roads and Americans football.

I think I was live at the beginning of his second career inside the German stadium the first NFL game in Germany, the Seahawks played against the Buccaneers. It was in Munich, two or three years ago. I think they they played it after I think after a timeout during a timeout, And so yeah, the Germans and especially the Bavarian people liked it and they started singing, and the game on the field, it goes on and Tom Brady through a pass and everything is in. The entire crowd didn't stop singing. And I think this was the most surprising thing, especially for the Americans, that the Germans didn't stop singing when Tom Brady plays the ball. So maybe that was the Yeah, the birthday of Country Roads and Americans football.

It was amazing stuff. There's true. People can say whatever they want about this crazy, mixed up world we live in, but when you get seventy thousand people together in a stadium and they're all singing the same song, we're all the same gang, We're all the same. It was just an incredible amount of enthusiasm and energy in that building. And guys picked up on it too. I mean, I remember players, I remember players coming back from it just talking about the energy in that stadium and how cool that environment was. I think our friend Bryce Young said he was super grateful for all the and support there. So Bryce is here in the background with us, so he dropped by to sale low. But and he's not the only one we've got special messages from. We got a quick video here from our good friend, Mike Rucker check this out, h right.

It was amazing stuff. There's true. People can say whatever they want about this crazy, mixed up world we live in, but when you get seventy thousand people together in a stadium and they're all singing the same song, we're all the same gang, We're all the same. It was just an incredible amount of enthusiasm and energy in that building. And guys picked up on it too. I mean, I remember players, I remember players coming back from it just talking about the energy in that stadium and how cool that environment was. I think our friend Bryce Young said he was super grateful for all the and support there. So Bryce is here in the background with us, so he dropped by to sale low. But and he's not the only one we've got special messages from. We got a quick video here from our good friend, Mike Rucker check this out, h right.

I'm Mike Rutcker Forth Carolina Panther. I want to say congratulations to Kai and Morrits on being named Carolina Panthers twenty twenty four International Fan of the Year. This is a remarkable achievement. Is a true testament to your unwavering support, passion and dedication. Fans like you are the heart and soul of everything that we do, and your energy and enthusiasm never goes unnoticed. As the twenty twenty four Carolina Panther International Fan of the Year, we would like to invite you to the NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin. That's right, April twenty fourth and twenty fifth. Congratulations and keep pounding.

I'm Mike Rutcker Forth Carolina Panther. I want to say congratulations to Kai and Morrits on being named Carolina Panthers twenty twenty four International Fan of the Year. This is a remarkable achievement. Is a true testament to your unwavering support, passion and dedication. Fans like you are the heart and soul of everything that we do, and your energy and enthusiasm never goes unnoticed. As the twenty twenty four Carolina Panther International Fan of the Year, we would like to invite you to the NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin. That's right, April twenty fourth and twenty fifth. Congratulations and keep pounding.

And there's the VIDIA. So there you go. You've been welcomed to it by Panthers legend Mike Rockerd. How does it feel.

And there's the VIDIA. So there you go. You've been welcomed to it by Panthers legend Mike Rockerd. How does it feel.

Wow, that's amazing. That's really amazing, such a great message to us. I'm out of words.

Wow, that's amazing. That's really amazing, such a great message to us. I'm out of words.

Yeah, And so you guys are headed to Green Bay for their draft.

Yeah, And so you guys are headed to Green Bay for their draft.

Yeah, unbelievable. Didn't thought this will will happen one day when we started our Small Panthers podcast and a few years later, a Pantas legend like Rocker welcomed us and send us a video message and we're going to the NFL Draft. I mean, this is unbelievable.

Yeah, unbelievable. Didn't thought this will will happen one day when we started our Small Panthers podcast and a few years later, a Pantas legend like Rocker welcomed us and send us a video message and we're going to the NFL Draft. I mean, this is unbelievable.

Yeah, you guys are going to have a great time. Green Bay is also one of those really unique places in the NFL. It's very similar in that regard in terms of the authenticity of the fan passion. I mean, it's a very small community compared to a Munich or even a Charlotte. So it's a small town. You won't have much trouble getting around. You probably aren't gonna get lost in Green Bay. I can't promise you the same level of public transportation or any of the amenities like that, But the feeling they have for the football in Green Bay, Wisconsin's unlike it is anywhere else in the anywhere else in the country in a lot of ways, just because it is such a small community, so welcoming. So you guys are gonna have a great time. Well, you're gonna be there, You're gonna be boots on the ground. So if we call you looking for draft coverage, you're gonna help us out right, Yeah for sure? Yeah, all right, I love it. So if you had to make a pick for us right now. Number eight overall, who are you sending to your beloved Carolina Panthers.

Yeah, you guys are going to have a great time. Green Bay is also one of those really unique places in the NFL. It's very similar in that regard in terms of the authenticity of the fan passion. I mean, it's a very small community compared to a Munich or even a Charlotte. So it's a small town. You won't have much trouble getting around. You probably aren't gonna get lost in Green Bay. I can't promise you the same level of public transportation or any of the amenities like that, But the feeling they have for the football in Green Bay, Wisconsin's unlike it is anywhere else in the anywhere else in the country in a lot of ways, just because it is such a small community, so welcoming. So you guys are gonna have a great time. Well, you're gonna be there, You're gonna be boots on the ground. So if we call you looking for draft coverage, you're gonna help us out right, Yeah for sure? Yeah, all right, I love it. So if you had to make a pick for us right now. Number eight overall, who are you sending to your beloved Carolina Panthers.

Jalen Walker.

Jalen Walker.

You're going Jalen Walker, the versatile defensive piece for this thing. That makes a lot of sense. You could put him in a lot of places. I've told people before. He reminds me of a Frankie Luvu, a guy who's just high energy all the time. And if you can be like Frankieluvu, that's always a good thing to be.

You're going Jalen Walker, the versatile defensive piece for this thing. That makes a lot of sense. You could put him in a lot of places. I've told people before. He reminds me of a Frankie Luvu, a guy who's just high energy all the time. And if you can be like Frankieluvu, that's always a good thing to be.

Yeah. Really, it's the same for Danda Walker, all right.

Yeah. Really, it's the same for Danda Walker, all right.

Yeah. See, they are on board all defense, all the time, even with all these free agent signings that we've been talking about for the last week or so. I agree with you, guys. I don't know if it'll be Jailing himself, but I got a feeling it's going to be somebody to add to that defense. So, yes, this has been awesome. It's been awesome, guys. I'm excited for you to get to experience Green Bay in the same way I'm excited that we were able to come over to your place and be in Munich and experience something that none of us who were there is ever gonna forget. So I appreciate you guys, Guy Boikling, Marris Heist, our international fans of the Year, thank you so much. Yeah, Cass, I hate you missed that.

Yeah. See, they are on board all defense, all the time, even with all these free agent signings that we've been talking about for the last week or so. I agree with you, guys. I don't know if it'll be Jailing himself, but I got a feeling it's going to be somebody to add to that defense. So, yes, this has been awesome. It's been awesome, guys. I'm excited for you to get to experience Green Bay in the same way I'm excited that we were able to come over to your place and be in Munich and experience something that none of us who were there is ever gonna forget. So I appreciate you guys, Guy Boikling, Marris Heist, our international fans of the Year, thank you so much. Yeah, Cass, I hate you missed that.

It was I noticed a little shot you through my way though.

It was I noticed a little shot you through my way though.

Well.

Well.

I mean I wanted to make our German friends feel welcome.

I mean I wanted to make our German friends feel welcome.

So do you think you're more I think you're more Southern than I am.

So do you think you're more I think you're more Southern than I am.

I mean, geographically speaking, that is incorrect. I mean if you look at if you look at Mobile, Alabama on a map, it's way down here at the bottom, And if you look at suburban Hickory on a map, it's much higher up, closer to the north pole.

I mean, geographically speaking, that is incorrect. I mean if you look at if you look at Mobile, Alabama on a map, it's way down here at the bottom, And if you look at suburban Hickory on a map, it's much higher up, closer to the north pole.

There's some different balances that go in there the closer you get to Appalachia.

There's some different balances that go in there the closer you get to Appalachia.

You didn't even say that right, So I don't you know, I don't even want to get into your entire speech impediment right now, but it's uh, I.

You didn't even say that right, So I don't you know, I don't even want to get into your entire speech impediment right now, but it's uh, I.

Think me not saying it right further proves my point.

Think me not saying it right further proves my point.

I feel like our German friends understood us. And you know, the one the one thing I did pick up from those guys is they speak the language of football and community and that was the cool part listening to them is just talking about how passionate the fans were over there because you got to work for it if you want to be a football fan in Germany. And they have Yeah. Cool for them that they get to hang out in Green Bay. If you would have been here, I would have asked you to offer them a Green Bay recommendation.

I feel like our German friends understood us. And you know, the one the one thing I did pick up from those guys is they speak the language of football and community and that was the cool part listening to them is just talking about how passionate the fans were over there because you got to work for it if you want to be a football fan in Germany. And they have Yeah. Cool for them that they get to hang out in Green Bay. If you would have been here, I would have asked you to offer them a Green Bay recommendation.

I could have done that. You know what, I would actually have told them to do. Maybe they'll they'll listen to this part of it. Afterwards, I would tell them to drive up to Door County, which is not that far from Green Bay. It is worth the hour trip and go to Al Johnson's. It is it's more Swedish based because that is the influence there in that area of the country. But Al Johnson's Pancake House in Door County is a traditional Swedish breakfast place. Very good. You go for the goats, especially during the summer, although actually I don't know if they will be out by that weekend in April when they bring the goats out, you would love this, darn. When they bring the goats out at the beginning of the summer, they do a goat parade. Everyone lines the streets of Sister Bay in Door County and they bring the goats out and they march them down through the streets and they do this little parade, and they go up on the stairs and they get up on the roof of Al Johnson's, and that welcomes them in for the summer, and then they stay there for the summer. Now, sometimes they want to get down and explore a little bit. They can come down the stairs and they walk through the town and they're ready to go to sleep or eat. They go back up onto the roof because this is a grass roof, which is a apparently I have learned a common Swedish architectural technique. And the goats keep the roof maintained.

I could have done that. You know what, I would actually have told them to do. Maybe they'll they'll listen to this part of it. Afterwards, I would tell them to drive up to Door County, which is not that far from Green Bay. It is worth the hour trip and go to Al Johnson's. It is it's more Swedish based because that is the influence there in that area of the country. But Al Johnson's Pancake House in Door County is a traditional Swedish breakfast place. Very good. You go for the goats, especially during the summer, although actually I don't know if they will be out by that weekend in April when they bring the goats out, you would love this, darn. When they bring the goats out at the beginning of the summer, they do a goat parade. Everyone lines the streets of Sister Bay in Door County and they bring the goats out and they march them down through the streets and they do this little parade, and they go up on the stairs and they get up on the roof of Al Johnson's, and that welcomes them in for the summer, and then they stay there for the summer. Now, sometimes they want to get down and explore a little bit. They can come down the stairs and they walk through the town and they're ready to go to sleep or eat. They go back up onto the roof because this is a grass roof, which is a apparently I have learned a common Swedish architectural technique. And the goats keep the roof maintained.

Well, I guess you don't want to take your push mower up on the roof restaurant.

Well, I guess you don't want to take your push mower up on the roof restaurant.

Well, you put a goat uf there.

Well, you put a goat uf there.

It makes as much sense as anything. So goats on the roof at Al Johnson's Swedish restaurant.

It makes as much sense as anything. So goats on the roof at Al Johnson's Swedish restaurant.

YEP.

YEP.

If I ever find myself in Door County, Wisconsin, I will definitely check you.

If I ever find myself in Door County, Wisconsin, I will definitely check you.

You should. It is a beautiful, beautiful area of the country on Lake Michigan, ideal during the summer.

You should. It is a beautiful, beautiful area of the country on Lake Michigan, ideal during the summer.

Yeah, I'm sitting here. Thanks to the miracle of the Internet, this is one thing the internet's good for. I'm starting to think it was a terrible invention. But they have goat cam apparently, yes.

Yeah, I'm sitting here. Thanks to the miracle of the Internet, this is one thing the internet's good for. I'm starting to think it was a terrible invention. But they have goat cam apparently, yes.

They do. When the goats are up there during the summer, you can watch them live.

They do. When the goats are up there during the summer, you can watch them live.

The goats are apparently not on the roof at the moment.

The goats are apparently not on the roof at the moment.

It's way way too cold.

It's way way too cold.

Probably a little cold for goats on the roof, but all right. So we've now taken an unexpected detour on this road trip to Door County for the goat camp in Wisconsin, so we might want to just call it here. We might just want to circle back next week with a Charlotte based episode of The Happy Half Hour. We'll see all the

Probably a little cold for goats on the roof, but all right. So we've now taken an unexpected detour on this road trip to Door County for the goat camp in Wisconsin, so we might want to just call it here. We might just want to circle back next week with a Charlotte based episode of The Happy Half Hour. We'll see all the