Pro Football HOFer and former Panthers President MIKE MCCORMACK, who played an important role in the team's expansion process, died Friday at the age of 83. McCormack was an advisor to Panthers Owner JERRY RICHARDSON in his efforts to bring a team to Charlotte. McCormack was the team's first president and served in the role from '95-96. He also served as Seahawks President & GM from '82-88 (Panthers). In Charlotte, Tom Sorensen wrote McCormack was a "kind, humble man." Sorensen: "Honorable is what McCormack was." He had the "contacts, the class and the presence." Former Panthers President MARK RICHARDSON said, "He was a very humble, straightforward, kind person. He was kind to players, coaches, scouts, fans and sponsors" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 11/16). In Akron, Ulrich & Ridenour noted the Browns starting Sunday against the Steelers will honor McCormack by wearing special helmet decals for the rest of the season. McCormack played for the Browns in '54-55 (OHIO.com, 11/17). In Greensboro, Ed Hardin wrote McCormack was a "sweet man, a classy guy in a game that doesn't always produce such men" (NEWS-RECORD.com, 11/17).
