The Panthers played their preseason finale Friday night, hosting the Steelers before an enthusiastic crowd of 70,575 at Bank of America Stadium. As he’s been throughout the preseason, Carolina’s all-time receiving yards leader Steve Smith Sr. was behind the microphone, covering the game alongside veteran play-by-play voice Taylor Zarzour.
Panthers owner David Tepper would later join Smith Sr. and Zarzour in the broadcast booth, where the hedge fund billionaire quickly learned the perils of live television.
We’ve heard worse, but Tepper can still expect to hear from the FCC. As Tepper quipped, the 63-year-old shouldn’t have any trouble footing the bill for his profanity, which was heard on both local and national airwaves (the feed was simulcast on NFL Network). Forbes lists his net worth at a booming $14.5 billion, making him the 142nd-richest person on Earth.
Listen to your favorite gameday hits on Audacy's Tailgate Rock station, and buy everything you’ll need for a killer pregame party here
Smith Sr., who apparently has made amends with the organization after promising “blood and guts” upon his release in 2014, was a hit with fans on social media, captivating audiences with his hilarious insights and entertaining criticism of kicker Joey Slye, who could be on the Panthers’ chopping block after another miss Friday night (his 49-yard attempt sailed wide right).
After going 1-2 in exhibition play, the Panthers will begin their regular season September 12th—two weeks from Sunday—against the Jets, pitting starting quarterback Sam Darnold against his former team.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram