Fame not changing Delhomme

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Jake Delhomme is a full-blown celebrity in Charlotte, the star of local commercials and assured of getting the best table in town when he goes out to eat.

But he's hesitant to embrace his fame, embarrassed that his job as quarterback of the Carolina Panthers entitles him to special treatment.

"I am here to play football, I am here to have fun," Delhomme said Wednesday. "I don't take advantage because I was put on a good football team."

Delhomme has been on both sides of the NFL line. Undrafted out of Louisiana-Lafayette college, he had to fight for a roster spot with the New Orleans Saints. He spent five years as a backup there, getting on the field only long enough to attempt 86 total passes.

But when his contract was up, Delhomme was suddenly an attractive free agent. Pursued by both Dallas and Carolina, he chose the Panthers and a chance to compete for the starting job.

He was an unknown when he arrived, but quickly stood out. He became Carolina's starter under fire, replacing Rodney Peete at halftime of the season opener and never looking back - taking the Panthers to the Super Bowl six months later.

With his success came a flurry of endorsements, a restructured contract with a big bonus and instant celebrity in Charlotte. Without hesitation, Delhomme credits his teammates for everything good that happens to him.

"I appreciate everything that has come my way because of the success we have had as a team," he said. "I appreciate it. I don't take it for granted.

"I say my blessings every night and even more so because I understand one day it is not going to be there. I am enjoying the moment, and I don't ever want to burn any bridges."

In just 31 regular-season starts, Delhomme has moved to second all-time in Carolina with 48 touchdown passes. Although the Super Bowl season was special, he made his mark last season by rallying the Panthers out of a 1-7 start.

Delhomme threw for 17 touchdown passes and only four interceptions over the final eight games to help Carolina finish 7-9. With that, Delhomme became the player whom fans chase for autographs.

"You could say he's taken over Charlotte, because he's Mr. Charlotte now," tight end Kris Mangum said. "He probably won't tell you that, but take it from a guy who has been around nine years - I've never seen a town like a guy as much as they like Jake."

But Delhomme knows how fleeting fame can be, especially for a starting quarterback. He was beloved in New Orleans, even though he rarely got off the bench - the backup quarterback is always the most popular player, especially when starter Aaron Brooks struggled.

Delhomme and Brooks have not had much contact since Delhomme left, and Brooks took exception late last season when the Saints were struggling and fans began complaining that Delhomme should have been offered a contract in New Orleans.

"That's part of being the local guy," Delhomme said with a shrug. "If you are the local guy in Louisiana, I know how those fans, they love their local guy."

Now Delhomme will open his third season in Carolina on Sunday against the Saints. He no longer has the burning desire to beat them just because its his former team. His focus now is only on getting as many wins as possible for the Panthers.

"Out of sight, out of mind," he said. "It's not the same to me. I just view it as a game."