Secretary Wyman wears the Carolina jersey of her hometown hero, Lacey’s Jonathan Stewart. (Photo courtesy of Laura Mott)

True to her word, Secretary Wyman is ready to wear a Carolina Panthers jersey when she gathers with her counterparts at the upcoming National Association of Secretaries of State conference later this month in Washington, D.C. When she dons that jersey, she’ll be honoring a favorite son of Lacey, Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart.

Stewart is known to NFL fans as the fast, powerful back who plays a big role in  the Panthers strong ground attack. But for Olympia-area football fans, Stewart is remembered as the record-setting back for Timberline High School who went on to star for the Oregon Ducks before joining Carolina in 2008.

Before the Panthers played Wyman’s beloved Seattle Seahawks in a recent NFC playoff game at Carolina, Wyman made a bet with North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall: If Seattle won, Marshall would give Wyman some Carolina barbecue, a boxing of Covington sweet potatoes and a bottle of Covington vodka. If the Panthers won, Wyman would give Marshall a package of WA wine, salmon and apples. Oh, and the loser had to wear the winner’s jersey.

“I’m sure Elaine will enjoy some of our state’s finest products,” Wyman said. “While I wish the Hawks won, I’m proud to wear Jonathan Stewart’s jersey.”

Wyman gave a shout-out to Stewart in this short YouTube video showing the world that she has her Carolina jersey ready to wear at NASS.