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And on that note, let's go lightning round, brought to you by the patron saint of the lightning round Jeff from Fuquay-Varina, to close it out this week.
I almost bought a couple of PSLs in 1995, but being 100 miles from Charlotte, with two small kids, my wife thought it was not a wise choice of our resources. My question is how much have ticket prices increased since mid '90s and how much is a beer and pretzel cost in 2026? — Will, Mount Airy, NC
Less than a tank of gas, that's for sure. I remember fishing enough change out of my ashtray to get a gallon in high school, back when change, ashtrays, and 89 cents a gallon were things. Everything's relative. In 1995, the Panthers had the second-highest priced tickets in the league. Now, they're around 23rd. Things cost more now, but relative to the rest of the league, they're not out of line.
You've been bagging on college basketball for years. I thought you were from here. Why do you not like it? — Cliff, Cornelius, NC
Because I like basketball, and people who are good at it. That's why I pay my own money for NBA League Pass. Too many schools in the tournament are named after directions or bad crayons. So for every Duke-Burnt Siena game, there's usually about three where Michigan State's up 30 at halftime on Raw Umber, or Arizona's beating Long Island by 25 in a battle of the teas.
But for all who celebrate, as my old friend Mark Packer would say, "Get it all over you." He also called it "Bazooka Friday" when you couldn't find anyone at the office at the end of the week, which I add for no reason whatsoever as I finish this Mailbag on my porch.
So here I sit, a lonely Panthers homer down in Buccaneer country, waiting for my FOTM merch. Which isn't a complaint, no really, it isn't. I don't even have a question, just so much optimism about our guys in black and blue because they're doing everything right. Loving your football insights, your life insights, and the great questions you get to answer. Even if I weren't a Panthers fan, I'd probably read your column. And I can't get back to class because I'm 62 years old and happily retired. Keep Pounding! — Michael, Wesley Chapel, FL
Appreciate the kind words, Michael.
I'm behind on mail because of all the free agent news we've been bringing you. But now that we're pushed through Winter 3 and Spring is back and all the pollen is in the air, these fresh short-sleeved shirts will be in the mail soon.
And people will be looking as good as they're feeling.