— Jerry Richardson, the businessman who owns the Carolina Panthers, is homegrown, from small-town roots in Spring Hope. The Nash County town of 1,300 is sharing in the Super Bowl excitement with typical understated pride.

Spring Hope resident Sylvia Williams knows Richardson as a man of few words. She has lived for years across the street from Richardson's aunt.

"He’s a very nice, humble man," Williams said.

She shared a story of Richardson's polite reply when invited to be grand marshal of the annual pumpkin festival parade.

"You know, that’s a very busy time for him," she said. "He sent a personal note thanking us for the opportunity but explaining that it was not a good time. I just thought that was special to get a personal note from a man of that caliber in business. That showed he’s a caring person and thought a lot about his home."

Florist Ann Drewery said Richardson uses her shop to keep in touch with the folks back home.

"They don’t ever forget their people. They are always sending them flowers on special occasions," she said.

The big blue bow outside Ann & Tees Florist is one of few outward signs of that hometown pride.

"We’re really proud of Jerry," Drewery said. "Everybody comes by and blows at my bow."

"Everybody’s excited because of course we’re pulling for them," Williams said.

Richardson was born Spring Hope in 1936, and although business takes him far from home, he is still a familiar face there.

"When he comes back, he doesn't even act like you know he owns the Panthers," Drewery said. "He's just Jerry."

Richardson played high school football at Terry Sanford High in Fayetteville before going on to Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

After a stint in the NFL, Richardson returned to Spartanburg. The Panthers are known as the Carolina Panthers as a nod to Richardson's ties to both states.