Columbus Co. couple to celebrate 50th anniversary at Super Bowl 50

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Sports fans across the state are preparing for the biggest game in football as the Carolina Panthers prep for the super bowl this weekend.

One serious panther fan in Columbus County is getting ready to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary at Super Bowl 50.

“If the Panthers go to the Super Bowl, Tom Simmons is going to the super bowl,” Principal at Flemington Academy Tom Simmons said.

Just walk into Tom Simmon’s office at Flemington Academy and you’ll see it.

“I’ve never missed a home game in 20 years since the Panthers have been in the league,” Simmons said.

Devoted is one way to put it or maybe super fan is better.

“My students realized what a Panther fan I am,” Simmons said.

From signed footballs, to signed posters, to signed jerseys, his passion for the Panthers is pretty clear.

“When we went 12 and 0, we started looking for hotels out in San Francisco,” Simmons said.

As soon as the panthers made it to the playoffs this year, Simmons said that was it.

“I said, ‘We’re going to the Super Bowl,'” Simmons said. “There is no question about it.”

The year of Super bowl 50 also happens to fall on a certain 50 for Simmons this year.

“It’s my wife and I’s 50th wedding anniversary,” Simmons said.

Simmons said they were going to celebrate in Italy.

“But we decided Italy would be there another 1,000 years, but the Super Bowl may not come back around for another 12 or 15,” Simmons said.

These super fans are heading to San Francisco today to celebrate their 50 years together.

“It’s the pinnacle,” Simmons said. “It’s the top of the hill and that’s where everyone hopes to get to.”

Simmons also said he hopes to come home celebrating another victory.

“When you can say I’ve won the Super Bowl, you can say I’m the world champion and there’s not a better feeling than that,” Simmons said.

Simmons said they are leaving for California today and he believes the Panthers will bring home the championship.