Panthers’ Ryan Kalil promises Super Bowl win in newspaper ad

Ryan Kalil knows what it takes to win championships, having won two national titles with USC not long ago.

So I guess that means we should believe Carolina’s three-time Pro Bowl center when he says that the Panthers will be this season’s Super Bowl champions.

This wasn’t just a quick thought that ran through his head one day or something he just happened to mention to a few teammates while working out. Kalil actually took out a full-page ad in Wednesday’s Charlotte (N.C.) Observer that declares: “CAROLINA PANTHERS — SUPER BOWL XLVII CHAMPIONS!”

Sure, the Panthers are probably feeling pretty good after tripling their win total last season (going from from two to six), and with quarterback Cam Newton coming back after a remarkable rookie season. But this is Carolina we’re talking about. A team that hasn’t been to the playoffs or even had a winning season since 2008.

Needless to say, it’s a pretty bold prediction — and it was an even bolder move to make that prediction in such a public way. But Kalil told the Observer that he firmly believes his assertion and said he wanted the ad to be “a war cry to the fans.”

“We’ve said it in the past in meeting rooms and behind closed doors,” Kalil said. “This year’s different. There’s a sense of urgency, a winning attitude that I haven’t seen before. And it’s in the way we prepare. It’s in the way we approach each work day, and I think fans will see it in the way that we play.”

They better. After all, Kalil’s ad promises: “One hundred-percent, sterling silver victory. The Lombardi trophy.”

Now the Panthers had better deliver.

ALSO:

Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin agrees to contract extension

Saints’ Drew Brees files affidavit in support of Jonathan Vilma

NFL officials: Quality of games could suffer with replacement officials

Read more here: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/07/25/3403611/panthers-center-ryan-kalil-well.html#storylink=cpy