Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors superstar guard. Reigning NBA MVP. Historically-prolific shooter. Leader of a transcendent 46-4 team.
And Carolina Panthers super fan.
A day after leading the Warriors to a thrilling win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Curry was at Levi’s Stadium to hit the Panthers’ now-famous “Keep Pounding” drum before Super Bowl 50. You can watch video above, and here’s a look live from the stadium:
The team showed off Curry’s custom jersey before the game:
A special guest will serve as the #KeepPounding Drummer for #SB50
The tradition of hitting the drum is in honor of Sam Mills, a four-time All-Pro linebacker and coach who told the team to “keep pounding” before a 2003 postseason game. He died of cancer in 2005, two years after he was given three months to live.
Curry, who was born in Akron, Ohio, but grew up in Charlotte (his dad, Dell, played for the Hornets) and went to college at Davidson, which is also in North Carolina, was able to hit the drum at Carolina’s home opener earlier this year, as well.
“It was fun, man,” he said at the time. “It’s opening day. Everybody fed off the crowd’s energy and hopefully it carries over the field.”
Carolina went on to win that game, 24-17. Curry and the Panthers will be hoping he proves to again be the good luck charm with the Lombardi Trophy on the line.