The Cajun accent. The demonstrative leadership style. The ad-libbed approach to the quarterback position. The relentless competitiveness.
Jake Delhomme was truly one of a kind, and he's first up in the new video series entitled, "The Hall," which puts the spotlight on each of the four new members of Carolina's Hall of Honor.
The episode featuring Delhomme takes you to the stables in Louisiana, which is where he spent a large part of his childhood and where he spends a good amount of time in retirement.
The episode also brings perspective from John Fox – Delhomme's head coach in Carolina – and general manager Marty Hurney, who signed Delhomme in free agency.
"You could tell very early on that Jake had that swagger and had that confidence," Fox said. "It was contagious."
Added Hurney: "I've been in this business 25 years. He's one of the best teammates, one of the best leaders that I've ever been around."
Delhomme played seven seasons in Carolina, leading the Panthers to three playoff appearances and Super Bowl XXXVIII. He still ranks second in franchise history with 19,258 passing yards and 120 passing touchdowns for a 82.6 passer rating as a Panther. Delhomme was the first quarterback in NFL history to tally four consecutive postseason road wins (two in 2003, two in 2005). His 21 game-winning drives are the most in franchise history.
"Somebody that just wanted to compete and help his team," Delhomme said of how he wants to be remembered by Panthers fans.
Favorite little moments from the episode? Delhomme recalling how he backed up some schlub named Kurt Warner in NFL Europe. And Jordan Gross' face when he tells that story about Jake confronting Steve Smith and buckling his chinstrap. Classic.
Next Tuesday, the spotlight shifts to Gross, a longtime anchor of Carolina's offensive line who is now loving life in his native Idaho.
View photos of the former quarterback from the special Hall of Honor media day.