I'm running away with George Clooney

Just kidding, I don't have a chance. But I did get to see him with my own two eyes.

Guests at a private screening of “Leatherheads” got a treat Tuesday when the film’s stars made a surprise appearance at Ballantyne Village Theatre.

The film’s writer, director and lead actor George Clooney, along with co-star Renee Zellweger, sneaked in a back door and introduced the film to the audience of VIPs – including Panthers head coach John Fox (it is a football movie after all), wide receiver Steve Smith, Beth Petty of the Charlotte Regional Film Commission and other Charlotte-based cast members.

It was an evening of people-watching as Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme brought the stars on stage. (For the record, he said, “The arm’s great!”) He also got a big laugh when he said he himself has played with a leatherhead. “Vinny Testaverde. Yeah, he was from that era,” he quipped with a straight face.

Delhomme presented Clooney and Zellweger with personalized Panthers jerseys. The A-listers will head north today to make another appearance – this one open to the public – in Salisbury as part of their whistlestop tour promoting the movie, filmed in the Carolinas.

For the record, yes, Clooney is really that good-looking, and Renee really is that tiny.

Swoon.