so long, #51

We, here at red and black is the new black and red, would like to observe a moment or two of silence for the loss of Sam Mills, who passed away this morning at the age of 45, after battling cancer of the intestine.

Mills spent 12 years in the NFL as a premier linebacker, five times being named to the Pro Bowl team. He spent the last three years of his career in Carolina, where he stayed as an assistant coach up until his death. Along with Panthers' linebacker Mark Fields, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, he served as a source of inspiration for Panthers players and fans through their run to SuperBowl XXXVIII two seasons ago.

Along with the Carolina Panthers, the New Orleans Saints, and the rest of the NFL community, we give our respectful condolences to his family and friends.