Panthers’ David Tepper, Steve Smith honored by North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein honored Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper and team legend Steve Smith Sr. on Wednesday at Bank of America Stadium in uptown Charlotte.
Tepper and Smith were among a dozen honorees — including Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot and former White House chief of staff Erskine Bowles — presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
Stein spoke for nearly two minutes about Tepper’s impact on the Carolinas, from his ownership of the Panthers and Charlotte FC to his charitable efforts involving food insecurity, education and Hurricane Helene relief.
Tepper, a Pittsburgh native, bought the Panthers from original owner Jerry Richardson in 2018. Tepper Sports and Entertainment then launched Charlotte FC in 2022. Along with his work with sports, Tepper — as acknowledged by Stein — has opened up Bank of America Stadium to host regular events, including marquee concerts.
During the presentation, Stein said the consistent use of Bank of America Stadium has benefited the city’s economic growth.
“One thing that’s great about North Carolina is that a lot of folks who are wonderful North Carolinians are not born here,” Stein said after the presentation. “They came because they saw opportunity, they saw a wonderful quality of life, and they saw the people.
“And the people of North Carolina really are special, very friendly, very welcoming, and it attracts those kinds of people from other parts of the country to come here. So it does not surprise me that in such a short period of time, David Tepper has made his way here. He has grown roots here, and he has absolutely committed to making sure that this city, this region is strong and thriving.”
During his presentation speech for Smith, Stein noted that the former wide receiver was still the franchise’s all-time leader in touchdowns (75) and receiving yards (12,197). Stein also acknowledged the work Smith does in the community in regard to mental health and family wellness in Charlotte through his Steve Smith Family Foundation.
Smith, a Los Angeles native, spent 13 of his 16 NFL seasons with the Panthers. He has remained in the area following his five-time Pro Bowl and two-time All-Pro career.
According to the governor’s website, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine is “the highest award for state service granted by the Office of the Governor.”
Mayor Lyles among a dozen honorees
Below is the full list of a dozen honorees for the Order of the Long Leaf Pine:
- Crandall Bowles: former CEO of Spring Industries
- Erskine Bowles: former White House chief of staff for President Bill Clinton
- Mike Clement: managing partner and founder of Strait Insights
- Malcomb Coley: former central region private leader and Charlotte managing parter of Ernst & Young; co-founder of Bright Hope Capital
- Beverly Earle: former North Carolina representative
- Omar Jorge: CEO of Compare Foods Supermarkets
- Vi Lyles: mayor of Charlotte
- Steve Smith: former Carolina Panthers wide receiver; founder of Steve Smith Family Foundation
- David Tepper: owner of the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC
- Richard Vinroot: former mayor of Charlotte
- Ricky Woods: senior minister of First Baptist Church - West
- Rafeal Prieto Zartha: journalist
This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 4:59 PM.
