Sam Mills
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Sam Mills, Jr. (born June 3, 1959 in Neptune, New Jersey and died April 18, 2005 in Charlotte, North Carolina) was the linebackers coach for the Carolina Panthers. A former linebacker himself, Mills was described by the Panthers organization as an integral part of the effort that built the team's defense into one that has ranked in the top 10 each of the last two seasons.
He attended Montclair State University and played for the Philadelphia Stars of the USFL for three years before following his coach, Jim Mora, to the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. During his time with the Saints, Mills was a key part of the team's linebacker corps in the early 1990's that consistently took the Saints to the playoffs. On moving to the Carolina Panthers, Mills helped carry the team to a 12-4 record in its second season.
Overall, Mills played 12 seasons in the NFL and recorded 1,319 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 11 interceptions and four touchdowns while starting 173 of 181 games. He played the first nine seasons of his career with the New Orleans Saints and the final three years with the Panthers, earning five Pro Bowl selections, including one as a Panther in 1996. He is the only person in the Carolina Panthers Hall of Fame.
Mills was diagnosed with intestinal cancer in August 2003. At first doctors, told him he had only several months to live. But Mills battled the disease bravely. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation, but continued coaching. He was an inspirational force in the Panthers’ post-season run to Super Bowl XXXVIII, delivering an emotional speech to the team before a playoff victory.
Mills died at his home on the morning of April 18, 2005 at the age of 45.