CHARLOTTE — Panthers legend Jonathan Stewart was talking about how to make a pair of 1,000-yard running backs work earlier this week, and he started talking about the things he and DeAngelo Williams learned from former position coach Jim Skipper.
And the best part was he did it all in the voice of Jim Skipper.
"Yeah baby, go get 'em," Stewart repeated with a laugh, perfectly mimicking the gravely Louisiana baritone of the longtime running backs coach. (Skipper was born in Breaux Bridge, the hometown of former Panthers QB Jake Delhomme.)
So, since Stewart was heading to Phoenix this weekend anyway, he used the proximity to catch nine holes with his old coach, who remains an excellent golfer.
"The biggest thing about him was that he taught us more about the business side of football," Stewart said. "And I really credit him for maybe even channeling within us the team objective, but also understanding how the team objective really helps you with the business side.
"The longevity piece is huge. You have to do your job. You have to play your part. You have to know your role, and not everybody gets to play this game every day.
"He always said, 'Hey baby, you're blessed to be here,' and I think that messaging, as subtle as it is, but as consistent as it is, that really holds true. You look at guys that hang around in the league for a long time; it's because they either are generational talents or they understood their role, and they played their part."
The 76-year-old Skipper came to the Panthers in 2002 with head coach John Fox. Then after two years with the Titans, returned to Ron Rivera's staff in 2013, and he stayed until his retirement after the 2018 season. He also coached in the USFL and the Saints with Dom Capers in the 1980s and 1990s, so his ties here run deep.
