CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- For the third time this week there has been an upgrade in the signage at "Thieves Ave." near the far end of the Carolina Panthers' locker room.
The week began with the secondary, which dubbed themselves "thieves" after leading the NFL with 24 interceptions during the regular season, taping two pieces of cardboard together with “Thieve Ave.’’ written in magic marker.
Panthers safety Roman Harper apologizes for whoever made the sign "Thieve Ave.," which... https://t.co/bqCURkaHtF pic.twitter.com/iZxOrcHCxf
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) January 11, 2016After safety Roman Harper pointed out it should be “Thieves Ave.," a new stylized sign was created by Courtney Rivera, the daughter of head coach Ron Rivera.
The Panthers secondary had the "Thieves Ave." sign stylized and an "s" added to Thieve... https://t.co/48YKvD1Rk9 pic.twitter.com/pI1BsS6y0Y
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) January 13, 2016By Friday a more permanent sign had been delivered from a fan in Connecticut and hung where the previous one was.
Panthers cornerback Josh Norman tells about third "Thieves Ave." sign of the week. https://t.co/eTRfGBpuUd pic.twitter.com/nAfprnNRmf
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) January 15, 2016The new sign came with a message.
"It said to the residents of Thieve Ave," safety Tre Boston said. “It just showed up. I promise you."
The sign designed by Rivera’s daughter was moved over the locker of cornerback Lou Young that is separated from the rest of the secondary. Beside the sign is an arrow pointing toward the rest of “Thieves Ave."
An interesting side note, a year ago this area was known as “Club J-No" because of the music box in the locker of cornerback Josh Norman.
But as Boston reminded, clubs are allowed on the avenue.
“Is there a club on College Street? Is there a stadium on South Mint?" Boston said. “You can have stuff on the Ave."