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:
When I played with the @Seahawks, there was a coach whose optimism was painful.
Always writing notes, knew Pete Carroll's culture like the back of his hand, even set up practice dummies perfectly on the field.
Rarely saw him have a bad day.Turns out, relentless positivity is a…
— OKUNG 🐆 (@RussellOkung) July 18, 2024
So, who was that coach . . . ?
Dan Quinn, Robert Saleh, Dave Canales.
All focused, punctual, with incredible presence.But one thing separates them.
So I knew this coach was different when I met his father.
Real ole G. He invited me his church once. Straight in the hood.
Saw everyone from pros to gangsters…— OKUNG 🐆 (@RussellOkung) July 19, 2024
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.
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.
