Carolina and Bristol have been abuzz with a peculiar story involving Houston Texans star C.J. Stroud, ESPN NFL “insider” Adam Schefter, and Nicole Tepper, the wife of Panthers owner David Tepper. During an appearance on “Pardon My Take,” Schefter playfully disclosed that Mrs. Tepper was a big fan of Stroud leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft. Schefter then teased the owner, suggesting that his wife’s preference for Stroud may have influenced the Panthers’ decision-making process. Despite having multiple options with the No. 1 overall pick, including Stroud, the Panthers ultimately selected Young, who struggled as a rookie. In contrast, Houston selected Stroud at No. 2, and he went on to have a historic rookie season, leading the Texans to win their division and make the playoffs. While Houston looks brilliant for their decision to pivot away from Deshaun Watson, Carolina’s story seems murky. Why is Schefter teasing Tepper? Why does Mrs. Tepper get a say in organizational decisions? And how does continuing to criticize Young help the Panthers win?
