Former players from across generations gathered Saturday night to remember linebacker and assistant coach Sam Mills, to kick off Keep Pounding weekend.

A strong crop of candidates are coming in the next few years, which could bring more Carolina representation to Canton.

The former Panthers linebacker and assistant coach was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Saturday, the final step in a career that touched so many.

His fellow Hall of Famers don't see his height, they see all the plays he made over the years.

On Jan. 2, 2004, Sam Mills told a small group those heartfelt words, before that message spread far and wide.

Recount the story of how Keep Pounding took on physical form in Charlotte.

The Hall of Fame linebacker saw from an early age what it took to provide for a family.

The Hall of Honor wideout was embraced by Mills during his rookie camp, and has always called him the greatest Panther of all time.

From NFL coaches and GMs and personnel men, the Panthers legend showed them how to lead.

Carolina will honor Hall of Famer Sam Mills at home on October 2.

Read fan stories of inspiration and perseverance inspired by Sam Mills and his mantra of Keep Pounding, presented by Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute.