Two things that define Panthers tackle Mike Remmers and they’re not Von Miller sacks

5:46 PM ET

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Mike Remmers tugged at the thick, white, elastic ring that has replaced his wedding ring, which won’t fit because his finger is swollen.

Over and over he tugged.

The Carolina Panthers right tackle doesn’t have to wear it, but he wants to.

“It makes me think of her,” he said.

2 years ago today I got to marry my best friend!! Love you so much!!!#happyanniversary

A photo posted by Mike Remmers (@mremmers74) on Jun 27, 2016 at 3:55pm PDT

Her is his wife and best friend, Kelly.

The two have been together since they were high school sweethearts in Portland, Oregon. She was there for him when he was released by the Denver Broncos in 2012 as an undrafted rookie, a move he initially thought ended his football career.

She was there for him when he bounced from practice squads in Tampa Bay, San Diego and Minnesota over the next three seasons.

She was there for him in February after he gave up two strip-sacks to Von Miller in a 24-10 loss to Denver in Super Bowl 50.

The latter was particularly tough in that Remmers took a lot of heat publicly for the sacks that resulted in 15 points and an MVP award for Miller. Some went as far as to blame Remmers for the loss, although that was the furthest thing from reality.

If you want to see coach Ron Rivera get upset at training camp, just suggest that.

“A lot of that criticism was unwarranted,” Rivera said. “People didn’t understand what we were trying to do in terms of our protection. But he’s done a nice job and he’s handled it very well, as a professional.”

Remmers …

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