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Former NFL OT Russell Okung praises Panthers HC Dave Canales’ ‘painful’ optimism
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- Former NFL OT Russell Okung praises Panthers HC Dave Canales’ ‘painful’ optimism
The optimism of Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales just got another interesting descriptor.
Former NFL offensive tackle Russell Okung went back to the notes from his playing days and offered up a tremendous account of a certain coach. Okung, who played for both the Seattle Seahawks and Panthers, posted the following on Thursday afternoon:
So, who was that coach . . . ?
Okung and Canales both began their NFL journeys with the Seahawks in 2010. The former was that year's sixth overall pick out of Oklahoma State University while the latter was entering the first of his eight years as the team's wide receivers coach.
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Although slightly unusual, Okung's characterization of Canales' "painful" optimism does not stand alone. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield also gave an intriguing perspective on Monday's episode of Pardon My Take .
"Dave's got like . . . the definition of an optimist bully," Mayfield said of his now-former offensive coordinator. "Like, it could be the worst day ever, everything could be going wrong, and he's sitting there and he's like like, 'Guys, we got the next play!' Like, he's got a big ol' smile on his face and you're like, 'This guy's full of [expletive].' But no, that's literally who he is, day in and day out. And honestly, it's refreshing—especially in that industry."
It seems like Okung would certainly agree.
