Panthers name press box after longtime PR man Charlie Dayton

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Carolina Panthers have dedicated their press box to longtime director of communications Charlie Dayton before Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Team owner Jerry Richardson was among those who attended the ceremony, along with several former NFL public relations directions and writers.

Dayton joined the Panthers in 1994 and worked as the director of communications for 21 seasons before becoming the club's director of historical and alumni affairs last season.

Said Dayton, who has preferred to avoid the spotlight and do his work behind the scenes, ''It's a wonderful honor and I appreciate it very much.''

On the new plaque in the press box, Richardson says Dayton is ''simply the best in his profession. There is no one I trust more.''

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