Riley Fields, Director of Community Relations for the Carolina Panthers, has deep roots in youth football. A Charlotte native, Fields grew up playing Pop Warner football with the Park Sharon Bears and the Trinity Saints. Those early years not only gave him unforgettable memories, like his first touchdown, but also sparked a lifelong passion for the game.
During his time with the Panthers, Fields has strongly supported the Pop Warner Little Panthers league, helping provide many of our programs with memorable experiences, including last August when our PAL Panthers program joined the Carolina Panthers for a day at training camp.
As Charlotte prepares to host the 2025 Pop Warner National Championship Week, Fields reflects on his journey from a young Pop Warner player to an NFL community leader. Now, he’s giving back to the sport that shaped his childhood, helping inspire the next generation of players.
Read more about Riley’s journey, his Pop Warner connection, and his excitement for the upcoming Pop Warner Super Bowl.
Which Pop Warner team did you play for growing up?
I played Pop Warner football from 3rd grade-8th grade and when I think back to my childhood, it’s not unusual that the first thing I think of are memories from my Pop Warner experience. I played for both the Park Sharon Bears and the Trinity Saints. Fun fact - my 4th grade team lost every game, but the same core group of kids went undefeated in 6th grade.
What’s your favorite Pop Warner memory?
I have so many that are still so vivid, but if I had to pick one, it may be the first time I scored a touchdown. We were playing the Mint Hill Chargers and Coach Shamp called 45 Counter which was my favorite play. I got a great block and got to the outside and went 55 yards down the sideline. The field didn’t have bleachers on the visitors side and my mom was standing there…realized what was happening and basically ran alongside me all the way to the endzone (Note - My mom could really run). Because it was a long run, my teammates weren’t in the endzone to celebrate yet so I found myself standing there in the corner of the endzone not really knowing what to do while my mom was literally right next to me jumping up and down. I remember thinking “Mom - you’re embarrassing me!”, but I look back now and realize what a great moment that was.
How did your journey in sports begin, and what led you to become the Panthers’ Director of Community Relations?
I’ve always been involved in some way or another in the sports industry, but had a great opportunity to work with Pop Warner during my time with Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation before joining the Panthers in 2003. (Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation is where the 2025 Pop Warner Super Bowl will be hosted!)
So many of the things I did during my time with MCP&R helped prepare for my current role in community relations with the Panthers - which includes directing the team’s youth and prep football programming and outreach. As a native Charlottean, it means a great deal to serve the community and region where I grew up.
Why are the Panthers excited to host the Pop Warner National Championship Week in Charlotte?
First and foremost - we are youth football zealots and our relationship with Pop Warner is a special one because it has endured for years and will continue to do so…we’ve had the opportunity to do so many things over the years to showcase Pop Warner football and create experiences and opportunities for players, cheerleaders and families. I think I just want kids to have the same amazing Pop Warner experience I had growing up. The opportunity to help celebrate the important role Pop Warner plays in the development of the sport of football at the grassroots level on a national stage is exciting.
What are you most looking forward to during Championship Week?
Seeing and enjoying the experience it will be for the kids - this is a lifetime memory they will never forget.
What do you love about Charlotte?
Charlotte has grown tremendously over the last 20 years and has so much to offer folks who live here because of that growth, but still has close community connectivity which makes it feel like home.
What are some must-visit spots or favorite activities in the city?
Great question - teams will be busy, but for families I would recommend visiting the National Whitewater Center or walking the South End Rail Trail where there is access to all kinds of shops and restaurants in the popular South End district - it’s a great place to feel the energy of Charlotte.
About the photo: Riley Fields joined us at our 2016 All-American Scholar Banquet as the Carolina Panthers were named Pop Warner's NFL Team of the Year.