Panthers coach Sam Mills, 45
Posted: Monday, April 18th, 2005 5:37 pmSam Mills managed to inspire two generations of players, first as a player and then as a coach. Despite a smaller stature than normal for linebackers in pro football, Mills became a standout in the USFL and then the NFL, where he played for the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers.
As a coach with the Panthers, his gritty battle with cancer of the small intestine in 2003 as the club drove to its only Super Bowl appearance left associates marveling at his will.
But Mills lost that battle Monday. He was 45. Five times a Pro Bowl pick in 12 NFL seasons, Mills is the only former player enshrined in the Panthers Hall of Fame. … Read full obituary
