Jerry Richardson statue unveiled outside Bank of America Stadium

Jerry Richardson’s dream of bringing an NFL team to the Carolinas was realized when the league named the Carolina Panthers an expansion team in 1993. Now, there will forever be a reminder of his importance to the franchise outside of Bank of America Stadium.

In conjunction with the celebration of his 80th birthday, the above pictured statue of Richardson holding a football while standing between two panthers was unveiled during a ceremony on Monday. Todd Andrews, who created the sculpture, described the symbolism of the two animals, even calling Richardson a panther himself.

“Each panther represents more than one thing,” Andrews said via the team’s official site. “One represents the offense, the other the defense. And because of what they are and who they’re standing next to, they represent North Carolina and South Carolina. And then you take all three of them together, and I think of them as three panthers because Mr. Richardson is definitely a Panther.”

Since beginning play in 1995, the Panthers have a 166-169-1 record during the regular season. They are 9-7 in the playoffs, including appearances in each of the past three seasons.

Prior to his days as an owner, Richardson played for a won a championship with the Colts. He was selected in the 13th round of the 1958 NFL Draft and totaled 15 receptions, 171 yards, and four touchdowns in his brief two-year career.

Photo via: Twitter/panthers