Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Current season | |||||
Established October 26, 1993 First season: 1995 Play in and headquartered at Bank of America Stadium Charlotte, North Carolina | |||||
| |||||
League/conference affiliations | |||||
National Football League (1995–present)
| |||||
Current uniform | |||||
| |||||
Team colors |
Black, Panther Blue, Silver[1][2] | ||||
Mascot | Sir Purr | ||||
Personnel | |||||
Owner(s) | Jerry Richardson | ||||
President | Vacant | ||||
General manager | Marty Hurney (interim) | ||||
Head coach | Ron Rivera | ||||
Team history | |||||
| |||||
Championships | |||||
League championships (0) | |||||
Conference championships (2) | |||||
Division championships (6) | |||||
Playoff appearances (7) | |||||
Home fields | |||||
|
The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers compete in the National Football League (NFL), as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) South division. The club is worth approximately US$1.56 billion, according to Forbes,[3] and is controlled by founder Jerry Richardson and his family, who have a 48 percent stake; the remainder of the team is held by a group of 14 limited partners. The head coach is Ron Rivera.
The Panthers were announced as the league's 29th franchise in 1993, and began play in 1995. The Panthers played well in their first two years, finishing 7–9 in 1995 (an all-time best for an NFL expansion team's first season) and 12–4 the following year, winning the NFC West before ultimately losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game. They did not have another winning season until 2003, when they won the NFC Championship Game and reached Super Bowl XXXVIII, losing 32–29 to the New England Patriots. After recording playoff appearances in 2005 and 2008, the team failed to record another playoff appearance until 2013, the first of three consecutive NFC South titles. After losing in the divisional round to the San Francisco 49ers in 2013 and the Seattle Seahawks in 2014, the Panthers finally returned to the Super Bowl in 2016, but lost to the Denver Broncos. The Panthers have reached the playoffs seven times, advancing to four NFC Championship Games and two Super Bowls. They have won six division titles, one in the NFC West and five in the NFC South.
The Carolina Panthers are legally registered as Panther Football, LLC.[4] The team is headquartered in Bank of America Stadium in uptown Charlotte; also the team's home field. They are one of the few NFL teams to own the stadium they play in, which is legally registered as Panthers Stadium, LLC.[5] The Panthers are supported throughout the Carolinas; although the team has played its home games in Charlotte since 1996, it played home games at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina during its first season. The team hosts its annual training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
History
On December 15, 1987, entrepreneur Jerry Richardson announced his bid for an NFL expansion franchise in the Carolinas.[6] A North Carolina native, Richardson was a former wide receiver on the Baltimore Colts who had used his 1959 league championship bonus to co-found the Hardee's restaurant chain, later becoming president and CEO of TW Services. Richardson drew his inspiration to pursue an NFL franchise from George Shinn, who had made a successful bid for an expansion National Basketball Association (NBA) team in Charlotte, the Charlotte Hornets. Richardson founded Richardson Sports, a partnership consisting of himself, his family, and a number of businessmen from North and South Carolina were also recruited to be limited partners.[7] Richardson looked at four potential locations for a stadium, ultimately choosing uptown Charlotte. In choosing the team name, the Richardsons did not run focus groups with potential fans. Their intention had always been the 'Panthers'; Jerry Richardson began driving a car with the license plate 'PNTHRS' near the end of 1989.
To highlight the demand for professional football in the Carolinas, Richardson Sports held preseason games around the area from 1989 to 1991. The first two games were held at Carter–Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, while the third and final game was held at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. The matchups were between existing NFL teams. In 1991, the group formally filed an application for the open expansion spot, and on October 26, 1993, the 28 NFL owners unanimously named the Carolina Panthers as the 29th member of the NFL.[6]
The Panthers first competed in the 1995 NFL season; they were one of two expansion teams to begin play that year, the other being the Jacksonville Jaguars.[8] The Panthers were put in the NFC West to increase the size of that division to five teams; there were already two other southeastern teams in the division, the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints.[9] Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Dom Capers was named the first head coach. The team finished its inaugural season 7–9, the best performance ever from a first-year expansion team.[8] They performed even better in their second season, finishing with a 12–4 record and winning the NFC West division, as well as securing a first-round bye.[10] The Panthers beat the defending Super Bowl champions Dallas Cowboys in the divisional round[11] before losing the NFC Championship Game to the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Green Bay Packers.[12] The team managed only a 7–9 finish in 1997 and slipped to 4–12 in 1998, leading to Capers' dismissal as head coach.[10]
The Panthers hired former San Francisco 49ers head coach George Seifert to replace Capers, and he led the team to an 8–8 record in 1999. The team finished 7–9 in 2000 and fell to 1–15 in 2001, winning their first game but losing their last 15. This performance tied the NFL record for most losses in a single season and it broke the record held by the winless 1976 Buccaneers for most consecutive losses in a single season (both records have since been broken by the 2008 Lions), leading the Panthers to fire Seifert.[13]
After the NFL's expansion to 32 teams in 2002, the Panthers were relocated from the NFC West to the newly created NFC South division;[14] The Panthers' rivalries with the Falcons and Saints were maintained, and they would be joined by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. New York Giants defensive coordinator John Fox was hired to replace Seifert[15] and led the team to a 7–9 finish in 2002. Although the team's defense gave up very few yards, ranking the second-best in the NFL in terms of yards conceded, they were hindered by an offense that gained very few yards, ranking as the second-worst in the league in terms of yards gained.[16] The Panthers improved to 11–5 in the 2003 regular season, winning the NFC South[17] and making it to Super Bowl XXXVIII before losing to the New England Patriots 32–29 in what was immediately hailed by sportswriter Peter King as the "Greatest Super Bowl of all time". King felt the game "was a wonderful championship battle, full of everything that makes football dramatic, draining, enervating, maddening, fantastic, exciting" and praised, among other things, the unpredictability, coaching, and conclusion.[18] The game is still viewed as one of the best Super Bowls of all time,[19][20][21][22] and in the opinion of Charlotte-based NPR reporter Scott Jagow, the Panthers' Super Bowl appearance represented the arrival of Charlotte onto the national scene.[23]
Following a rocky 1–7 start in 2004, the Panthers rebounded to win six of their last seven games despite losing 14 players for the season due to injury. They lost their last game to New Orleans, finishing the 2004 season at 7–9. Had they won the game, the Panthers would have made the playoffs.[24] The team improved to 11–5 in 2005, finishing second in the division behind Tampa Bay and clinching a playoff berth as a wild-card.[25] In the first round of the playoffs, the Panthers went on the road to face the New York Giants, beating them 23–0 for the NFL's first playoff shutout against a home team since 1980.[26] The following week, they beat Chicago 29–21 on the road, but lost key players Julius Peppers, a defensive end, and DeShaun Foster, a running back, who were both injured during the game.[27] The Panthers were then defeated 34–14 by the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game, ending their season.[28] Although the Panthers went into the 2006 season as favorites to win the NFC South, they finished with a disappointing 8–8 record.[29] The team finished the 2007 season with a 7–9 record after losing quarterback Jake Delhomme early in the season due to an elbow injury.[30] In 2008, the Panthers rebounded with a 12–4 regular season record, winning the NFC South and securing a first-round bye. They were eliminated in the divisional round of the playoffs, losing 33–13 to the eventual NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals after Delhomme turned the ball over six times.[31] Delhomme's struggles carried over into the 2009 season, where he threw 18 interceptions in the first 11 games before breaking a finger in his throwing hand.[32] The Panthers were at a 4–7 record before Delhomme's season-ending injury, and his backup, Matt Moore, led the team to a 4–1 finish to the season for an 8–8 overall record.[33]
In 2010, after releasing Delhomme in the offseason, the Panthers finished with a league-worst (2–14); their offense was the worst in the league. John Fox's contract expired after the season ended, and the team did not retain him or his staff.[34]
The team hired Ron Rivera to replace Fox as head coach[35] and drafted Auburn's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Cam Newton with the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.[36] The Panthers opened the 2011 season 2–6, but finished with a 6–10 record,[35] and Newton was awarded the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award after setting the NFL record for most rushing touchdowns from a quarterback (14) in a single season and becoming the first rookie NFL quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards in a single season. He also was the first rookie quarterback to rush for over 500 yards in a single season.[37] In 2012, the Panthers again opened the season poorly, losing five out of their first six games, leading longtime general manager Marty Hurney to be fired in response. The team slid to a 2–8 record before winning five of their last six games, resulting in a 7–9 record. This strong finish helped save Rivera's job.[35] The Panthers would have a winning season the following year, finishing with a 12–4 record and winning their third NFC South title and another playoff bye,[38] but they were beaten by the 49ers in the Divisional Round. In 2014, the Panthers opened the season with two wins, but after 12 games sat at only 3–8–1 due in part to a seven-game winless streak. A four-game winning streak to end the season secured the team their second consecutive NFC South championship and playoff berth, despite a losing record of 7–8–1.[39] The Panthers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 27–16 in the wild card round to advance to the divisional playoffs,[40] where they lost to eventual NFC champion Seattle 31-17. The 2015 season saw the Panthers start the season 14–0 and finish the season 15–1, which tied for the best regular season record in NFC history. The Panthers also secured their third consecutive NFC South championship, as well as their first overall top seeded playoff berth.[41] In the 2015–16 playoffs, the Panthers defeated the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional playoffs 31–24, after shutting them out in the first half 31-0 and the Arizona Cardinals 49–15 (highest score in NFC Championship history) in the NFC Championship Game to advance to Super Bowl 50, their first Super Bowl appearance since the 2003 season. The Panthers lost a defensive struggle to the AFC Champion Denver Broncos 24-10.
In the 2016 season, the Panthers regressed on their 15-1 record from 2015, posting a 6-10 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2012, and a last-place finish in the NFC South, losing the division title to the second-seeded Falcons, who went on to represent the NFC in Super Bowl LI.
Logo and uniforms
Logo
The shape of the Panthers logo was designed to mimic the outline of both North Carolina and South Carolina.[42] The Panthers changed their logo and logotype in 2012, the first such change in team history. According to the team, the changes were designed to give their logo an "aggressive, contemporary look" as well to give it a more three-dimensional feel.[43] The primary tweaks were made in the eye and mouth, where the features, particularly the muscular brow and fangs, are more pronounced, creating a more menacing look. The revised logo has a darker shade of blue over the black logo, compared to the old design, which had teal on top of black.[44]
Uniforms
By the time they had been announced as the 29th NFL team in October 1993, the Panthers' logo and helmet design had already been finalized, but the uniform design was still under creation. After discussion, the Panthers organization decided on jerseys colored white, black, and blue, and pants colored white and silver. The exact tone of blue, which they decided would be "process blue" (a shade lighter than Duke's and darker than North Carolina's), was the most difficult color to choose.
The team's uniform has remained largely the same since its creation, with only minor alterations such as changing the sock color of the team's black uniforms from blue to black and changing the team's shoes from white to black.[45] Richardson, a self-described traditionalist, said that no major uniform changes would be made in his lifetime.[46]
The Panthers have three main jersey colors: black, white, and blue.[47] Their blue jerseys, designated their alternate uniforms, are the newest and were introduced in 2002.[48] NFL regulations allow the team to use the blue jersey up to two times in any given season.[47] In all other games, the team must wear either their white or black jerseys; in NFL games, the home team decides whether to wear a dark or white jersey, while the away team wears the opposite.[49] The Panthers typically pair their white jerseys with white pants, while the black and blue jerseys are paired with silver pants; there have only been a few exceptions to these combinations. The first such instance was in 1998, when the team paired their white jerseys with silver pants in a game against the Indianapolis Colts. The second instance was in 2012 during a game against the Denver Broncos, when they paired their black jerseys with new black pants;[49] this created an all-black uniform, with the exception of blue socks and silver helmets. The decision to wear blue socks was made by team captain Steve Smith, who felt the blue socks gave the uniforms a more distinct appearance compared with other teams that have all-black uniforms.[50] The all-black uniforms won the "Greatest Uniform in NFL History" contest, a fan-voted contest run by NFL.com in July 2013. In July 2013, the team's equipment manager, Jackie Miles, said the Panthers intended to use the all-black uniform more in the future.[51] The Panthers wore the all-black uniform three times the following season, once each in the preseason and regular season, and the third time during the home divisional round playoff game vs the 49ers.[52] During the Panthers' 2015 Thanksgiving Day game against the Dallas Cowboys, they debuted an all-blue uniform as part of Nike's "Color Rush" series.[53]
The team's uniform did not change significantly after Nike became the NFL's jersey supplier in 2012, but the collar was altered to honor former Panthers player and coach Sam Mills by featuring the phrase "Keep Pounding". Nike had conceived the idea, and the team supported the concept as a way to expose newer fans to the legacy of Mills, who died of cancer in 2005. Mills had introduced the phrase, which has since become a team slogan, in a speech that he gave to the players and coaches prior to their 2003 playoff game against Dallas; in the speech, Mills compared his fight against cancer with the team's on-field battle, saying "When I found out I had cancer, there were two things I could do – quit or keep pounding. I'm a fighter. I kept pounding. You're fighters, too. Keep pounding!"[54][55]
Stadium and practice facilities
The Panthers played their first season at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina, as their facility in uptown Charlotte was still under construction. Ericsson Stadium, called Bank of America Stadium since 2004, opened in the summer of 1996. Bank of America Stadium is owned entirely by the Panthers, making them one of the few teams in the NFL to own the facility they play in.[56] The stadium was specially designed by HOK Sports Facilities Group for football and also serves as the headquarters and administrative offices of the Panthers. On some days the stadium offers public tours for a fee. Private tours for groups are offered for a fee seven days a week, though there are some exceptions, and such tours must be arranged in advance.[57] Two bronze panther statues flank each of the stadium's three main entrances; they are the largest sculptures ever commissioned in the United States.[6][58] The names of the team's original PSL owners are engraved on the base of each statue. The two people in the Panthers Hall of Honor, team executive Mike McCormack and linebacker Sam Mills, are honored with life-sized bronze statues outside the stadium.[59] Mills, in addition to being the only player in the Hall of Honor, is the only player to have had his jersey number (#51) retired by the Panthers as of 2016.[60]
The Panthers have three open-air fields next to Bank of America Stadium where they currently hold their practices;[61] during the 1995 season, when the team played their home games in South Carolina, the team held their practices at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina.[62] Because the practice fields, along with the stadium, are located in uptown Charlotte, the fields are directly visible from skyscrapers as well as from a four-story condominium located across the street. According to Mike Cranston, a running joke said that the Panthers' division rivals had pooled their resources to purchase a room on the building's top floor, and that a fire at the condominium was caused by the Panthers organization.[63] In order to prevent people from seeing inside the field while the team is practicing, the team has added "strategically planted trees and a tarp over the ... fence surrounding the fields". Additionally, they employ a security team to watch for and chase away any people who stop alongside the fence surrounding the field.[63] In the event of bad weather, the team moves their practices to an indoor sports facility about 10 miles from the stadium. The team does not own this facility.[64] The Panthers have hosted their annual training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, since 1995.[65]
Culture
The Panthers are supported in both North Carolina and South Carolina; South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley declared July 30, 2012, "Carolina Panthers Day" in her state, saying that "when it comes to professional teams, the Carolina Panthers are the team that South Carolina calls their own".[62] During the 2016 NFC Championship and Super Bowl, the hashtag #OneCarolina was used by college and professional sports teams from North Carolina and South Carolina to show unified support for the Panthers.[66]
Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com observed that while there is "a bit of a wine-and-cheese atmosphere at Panthers games ... there is a strong core of diehard fans who bring energy to Bank of America Stadium. Charlotte lives and dies with the Panthers because there aren't a lot of other options in the sports world".[67] Sports Illustrated graded the Panthers as having the 10th highest "NFL Fan Value Experience" in 2007, attributing much of the fan atmosphere to the team's newness when compared to the established basketball fanbase. They also observed that the stadium has scattered parking lots, each of which has a different tailgating style. Some have fried chicken, pork, or Carolina-style barbecue, while others have live bands and televisions. Pickup football games in the parking lots are common, but fans tend to "behave themselves", in part due to blue laws that prevent the sale of alcohol before noon on Sundays.[68]
The Carolina Panthers have sold out all home games since December 2002,[69] and their home attendance has ranked in the NFL's top ten since 2006.[70][71]
Mascot, cheerleaders, and drumline
Sir Purr, an anthropomorphic black cat who wears a jersey numbered '00', has been the Panthers' mascot since their first season. During games, Sir Purr provides sideline entertainment through skits and "silly antics".[72] The mascot participates in a number of community events year-round, including a monthly visit to the patients at Levine Children's Hospital. Sir Purr also hosts the annual Mascot Bowl, an event which pits pro and college mascots against each other during halftime at a selected Panthers home game.[73]
The team's cheerleaders are the Carolina Topcats, a group of 24 women who lead cheers and entertain fans at home games. The TopCats participate in both corporate and charity events.[74] The team's drumline is PurrCussion, an ensemble of snare, tenor, and bass drummers as well as cymbal players. PurrCussion performs for fans outside the stadium and introduces players prior to home games; it consists of drummers from across the Carolinas.[75]
Keep Pounding Drum
Starting with the 2012 season, the Panthers introduced the Keep Pounding Drum, inspired by the aforementioned motivational speech by Sam Mills before the team's 2004 playoff game against the Cowboys.[76] Prior to each home game, an honorary drummer hits the six-foot tall drum four times to signify the four quarters of an American football game. According to the team, the drummers "come from a variety of backgrounds and occupations, but all have overcome a great trial or adversity that has not only made them strong but also pushes them to make others around them stronger". Drummers have included current and former Panthers players, military veterans, Make-A-Wish children, and athletes from other sports, including NBA MVP and Charlotte native Stephen Curry, US women's national soccer team players Whitney Engen and Heather O'Reilly, and 7 time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson.[77]
Songs and traditions
During the inaugural season of the Panthers, the team had an official fight song, which the team played before each home game.[78] The song, "Stand and Cheer", remains the team's official fight song,[79] but the team does not typically play it before home games.[78] Due to negative fan reaction "Stand and Cheer" was pulled in 1999. Since 2006, the song has returned.[80] In recent seasons the team has played Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" and Chairmen of the Board's "I'd Rather Be In Carolina" immediately after home victories.[81] A "keep pounding" chant was introduced during the 2015 season which starts before the opening kickoff of each home game. As prompted by the video boards, one side of the stadium shouts "keep" and the other side replies with "pounding".[82] The chant is similar to ones that take place at college football games.
Charity and community work
The Carolina Panthers support a variety of non-profits in North and South Carolina through the Carolina Panthers Charities. Four annual scholarships are awarded to student athletes through the Carolina Panthers Graduate Scholarship and the Carolina Panthers Players Sam Mills Memorial Scholarship programs.[83] Carolina Panthers Charities also offers grants to non-profits that support education, athletics, and human services in the community. The Panthers and Fisher Athletic has provided six equipment grants to high school football teams in the Carolinas each year since 2010.[83][84] Carolina Panthers Charities raises funds at three annual benefits: the Countdown to Kickoff Luncheon, the team's first public event each season; Football 101, an educational workshop for fans; and the Weekend Warrior Flag Football Tournament, a two-day non-contact flag football tournament. Another annual benefit is Taste of the Panthers, a gourmet food tasting which raises funds for Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.[85]
In 2003 the Panthers and Carolinas HealthCare Foundation established the Keep Pounding Fund, a fundraising initiative to support cancer research and patient support programs. The Panthers community has raised more than $1.4 million for the fund through direct donations, charity auctions, blood drives, and an annual 5k stadium run. The Panthers and Levine Children's Hospital coordinate monthly hospital visits and VIP game-day experiences for terminally ill or hospitalized children.[86]
In addition to these team-specific efforts, the Panthers participate in a number of regular initiatives promoted by the NFL and USA Football, the league's youth football development partner. These include USA Football Month, held throughout August to encourage and promote youth football; A Crucial Catch, the league's Breast Cancer Awareness Month program; Salute to Service, held throughout November to support military families and personnel; and PLAY 60, which encourages young NFL fans to be active for at least 60 minutes each day.[87]
Radio and television
Radio coverage is provided by flagship station WBT (1110 AM) and through the Carolina Panthers Radio Network, with affiliates throughout the Carolinas, Georgia, and Virginia. The Panthers' radio broadcasting team is led by Mick Mixon, Eugene Robinson, and Jim Szoke. The radio network broadcasts pre-game coverage, games with commentary, and post-game wrap-ups. It also live-broadcasts Panther Talk, a weekly event at Bank of America Stadium which offers fans a chance to meet a player and ask questions of the staff.[88]
National broadcasting and cable television networks cover regular season games, as well as some preseason games. Locally, Fox owned and operated station WJZY airs most regular-season games, while any home games against an AFC team air on CBS affiliate WBTV. Any appearances on Monday Night Football are simulcast on ABC affiliate WSOC-TV, while any late-season appearances on Thursday Night Football are simulcast on WBTV. Sunday night and some Thursday night games are aired on NBC affiliate WCNC-TV.
All preseason games and team specials are televised by the Carolina Panthers Television Network on flagship station WCCB in Charlotte and fourteen affiliate stations throughout the Carolinas, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee. The television broadcasting team consists of play-by-play commentator Mike Morgan, color analyst and former Panthers player Mike Rucker, and sideline reporter Pete Yanity. The network also hosts The Panthers Huddle, a weekly show focusing on the Panthers' upcoming opponent. Panthers Gameday, the Panthers' postgame show, is hosted by sports anchor Russ Owens and former Panthers lineman Kevin Donnalley on WCNC-TV.[89]
The Panthers also offer game broadcasts in Spanish on an eight-station network fronted by WGSP-FM in Pageland, South Carolina,[90] as well as additional radio affiliates in Mexico. Jaime Moreno provides the play-by-play while his nephew, Luis Moreno Jr., is the color commentator. They have become popular even among English-speaking Panther fans for their high-energy, colorful announcing style.[91]
Rivalries
The Panthers have developed heated rivalries with the three fellow members of the NFC South (the Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New Orleans Saints).[92][93] The team's fiercest rivals are the Falcons[94] and Buccaneers.[92]
The Falcons are a natural geographic rival for the Panthers, as Atlanta is only 230 miles (370 kilometers) south on I-85. The two teams have played each other twice a year since the Panthers' inception, and games between the two teams feature large contingents of Panthers fans at Atlanta's Georgia Dome.[92]
The Panthers' rivalry with Tampa Bay has been described as the most intense in the NFC South.[95] The rivalry originated in 2002 with the formation of the NFC South, but became particularly heated before the 2003 season with verbal bouts between players on the two teams. It escalated further when the Panthers went to Tampa Bay and beat them in what ESPN.com writer Pat Yasinskas described as "one of the most physical contests in recent memory". The rivalry has resulted in a number of severe injuries for players on both teams, some of which were caused by foul play.[95][96] One of these plays, an illegal hit on Tampa Bay punt returner Clifton Smith, sparked a brief melee between the teams in 2009.[96]
During their time in the NFC West, the Panthers began developing a rivalry with the San Francisco 49ers. This rivalry faded after the NFL moved the Panthers out of the NFC West.[97]
Seattle Seahawks
A relatively new rivalry, this one dates to the 2005 NFC Championship Game, in which the Seahawks won the game 31-14. The rivalry started up again in 2012, when the Panthers lost a close regular season home game to a Seattle Seahawks team led by rookie QB Russell Wilson, 16-12. In the 2013 season, the Panthers opened the season at home versus Seattle. They again lost a close game, with the final score 12-7. The Seahawks would go on to win Super Bowl XLVIII. In the 2014 season, once more at Bank of America Stadium, the Seahawks defeated the Panthers in week eight, 13-9. In the divisional round of the playoffs, the Panthers faced Seattle in Seattle, notorious for being a tough opposing field to play in, and lost 31-17. The Seahawks would go on to lose Super Bowl XLIX. In the 2015 season the next year, the teams faced off in Seattle, where the Panthers won another close game, 27-23. In the divisional round of the playoffs, the Panthers faced Seattle at Bank of America stadium, where they had yet to beat a Russell Wilson led Seahawks team. By halftime they led 31-0, but the Seahawks rebounded and scored 24 unanswered points before the Panthers were able to seal the victory, 31-24. The Panthers would go on to lose Super Bowl 50. In the 2016 season, the teams met in Seattle, where the Panthers were beaten 40-7. Since the 2012 season, Carolina is 2–5 overall against Seattle and 1–1 in the playoffs.[98] The rivalry aspect stems from how close the majority of the matches have been and the fact that they have played each other seven times over the last five seasons—at least once a year. Unless they meet in the playoffs, the teams will not face each other during the 2017 season.
Players
Current roster
Hall of Honor
The Carolina Panthers Hall of Honor was established in 1997 to honor individuals for their contributions to the Carolina Panthers organization. Each inductee is honored with a life-sized bronze statue outside of Bank of America Stadium's North Entrance, while the names of each original PSL owner are written on the black granite base at each of the six panther statues.[59] A rule added in the mid-2000s by the Panthers organization requires all potential inductees to be retired for at least five years before they are eligible for induction.[99]
Carolina Panthers Hall of Honor | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
No. | Player | Position | Seasons | Inducted |
— | Mike McCormack | President/General Manager | 1993–1997 | September 21, 1997 |
51 | Sam Mills | LB | 1995–1997 | September 27, 1998 |
— | PSL Owners | 1995–present | September 13, 2004 |
Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees
Nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which "honor[s] individuals who have made outstanding contributions to professional football",[100] are determined by a 46-member selection committee. At least 80% of voters must approve the nominee for him to be inducted.[101]
Carolina Panthers Pro Football Hall of Famers | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
No. | Player | Position | Seasons | Inducted |
92 | Reggie White | DE/T | 2000 | 2006 |
— | Bill Polian | GM | 1995–1997 | 2015 |
91 | Kevin Greene | LB/DE | 1996 1998–1999 | 2016 |
Ownership and administration
Jerry Richardson is the owner and founder of the Carolina Panthers.[102] Richardson and his family own about 48% of the team,[upper-alpha 1] with the remaining 52% owned by a group of 14 limited partners.[45] Richardson paid $206 million for the rights to start the team in 1993; according to Forbes, the Panthers are worth approximately $1 billion as of 2012. They ranked the Carolina Panthers as the 16th-most valuable NFL team[3] and the 23rd most valuable sports team in the world.[104]
Mike McCormack, a Hall of Fame lineman for the Cleveland Browns and former coach and executive for the Seattle Seahawks, was the Panthers' first team president, presiding in that role from 1994 until his retirement in 1997; McCormack was inducted as the first person in the Carolina Panthers Hall of Honor later that year.[6] Jerry Richardson's son, Mark, was appointed as the team's second president in 1997 and served in that role until he stepped down in 2009. His brother Jon, who had been president of Bank of America Stadium, stepped down at the same time. The resignations of Mark and Jon Richardson were unexpected, as it was thought that the two would eventually take over the team from their father.[105] Mark Richardson was replaced by Danny Morrison, who had previously served as the athletic director of both Texas Christian University[106] and Wofford College, Richardson's alma mater.
Coaches
The Carolina Panthers have had four head coaches. Dom Capers was the head coach from 1995 to 1998 and led the team to one playoff appearance. Counting playoff games, he finished with a record of 31–35 (.470). George Seifert coached the team from 1999 to 2001, recording 16 wins and 32 losses (.333); he is the only head coach in team history not to have led the team to a playoff appearance. John Fox, the team's longest-tenured head coach, led the team from 2002 to 2010 and coached the team to three playoff appearances including Super Bowl XXXVIII which the Panthers lost. Including playoff games, Fox ended his tenure with a 78–74 (.513) record, making him the only Panthers coach to finish his tenure with the team with a winning record. Ron Rivera, the team's current head coach, has held the position since 2011 and has led the team to three playoff appearances including Super Bowl 50 which the Panthers also lost. Counting playoff games, he has a career record of 50–35–1 (.587).[107] Statistically, Rivera has the highest winning percentage of any Panthers head coach.
Name | Term | Totals | Regular season | Playoffs | Ref | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G | W | L | T | PCT | G | W | L | T | PCT | G | W | L | PCT | |||
Dom Capers | 1995–1998 | 66 | 31 | 35 | 0 | .470 | 64 | 30 | 34 | 0 | .469 | 2 | 1 | 1 | .500 | [108] |
George Seifert | 1999–2001 | 48 | 16 | 32 | 0 | .333 | 48 | 16 | 32 | 0 | .333 | 0 | — | — | – | [109] |
John Fox | 2002–2010 | 152 | 78 | 74 | 0 | .513 | 144 | 73 | 71 | 0 | .507 | 8 | 5 | 3 | .625 | [110] |
Ron Rivera | 2011–present | 86 | 50 | 35 | 1 | .587 | 80 | 47 | 32 | 1 | .594 | 6 | 3 | 3 | .500 | [111] |
Current staff
Carolina Panthers staff | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| |||||
Team records
Since they began playing football in 1995, the Panthers have been to four NFC Championship Games; they lost two (1996 and 2005) and won two (2003 and 2015).[113][114] The Panthers have won six division championships: the NFC West championship in 1996 and the NFC South championship in 2003, 2008, 2013, 2014, and 2015. They are the first and only team to win the NFC South back to back and have won the NFC South more times than any other team in the division. They have finished as runners-up in their division six times, finishing second-place in the NFC West in 1997 and 1999 and finishing second-place in the NFC South in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2012.[115][116] They have qualified for the playoffs 7 times, most recently in 2015.[117]
Kicker John Kasay is the team's career points leader. Kasay scored 1,482 points during his 16 seasons (1995–2010) with the Panthers. Quarterback Cam Newton, who has played for the Panthers since 2011, is the career passing leader, having thrown for 20,257 yards over his six seasons with the team.[118] Running back DeAngelo Williams is the career rushing leader for the Carolina Panthers. Williams, during his tenure with the team (2006–2014), rushed for 6,846 yards with the Panthers.[118] Wide receiver Steve Smith, the team's leading receiver, recorded 12,197 receiving yards during his 13-year (2001–2013) tenure with the team.[118]
Carolina Panthers all-time record[119] | |||
Regular Season | Playoffs | Total | |
---|---|---|---|
Record | 166–169–1 | 9–7 | 175–176–1 |
Percentage | .496 | .563 | .499 |
Franchise records
Passing
Regular season | Playoffs | Rookie | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Career | Season | Game | Career | Season | Game | Season | Game | |
Completions | 1,710 Cam Newton | 343 Steve Beuerlein 1999 | 34 Chris Weinke 2006-12-10 NYG | 130 Jake Delhomme | 59 Jake Delhomme 2003 | 24 Jake Delhomme 2006-01-15 @CHI | 310 Cam Newton 2011 | 36 Chris Weinke 2001-12-30 ARI |
Pass Attempts | 2,928 Cam Newton | 571 Steve Beuerlein 1999 | 61 Chris Weinke 2006-12-10 NYG | 226 Jake Delhomme | 102 Jake Delhomme 2003 | 41 Cam Newton 2016-02-07 NDEN | 540 Chris Weinke 2001 | 63 Chris Weinke 2001-12-30 ARI |
Passing Yards | 21,772 Cam Newton | 4,436 Steve Beuerlein 1999 | 432 Cam Newton 2011-09-18 GNB | 1,847 Jake Delhomme | 987 Jake Delhomme 2003 | 335 Cam Newton 2016-01-24 ARI | 4,051 Cam Newton 2011 | 432 Cam Newton 2011-09-18 GNB |
Passing TDs | 136 Cam Newton | 36 Steve Beuerlein 1999 | 5 Steve Beuerlein 2000-01-02 NOR Cam Newton 2015-11-22 WAS 2015-12-06 @NOR 2015-12-20 @NYG | 12 Jake Delhomme | 6 Jake Delhomme 2003 | 3 Jake Delhomme 2004-02-01 NNWE 2006-01-15 @CHI | 21 Cam Newton 2011 | 3 Kerry Collins 1995-11-26 @NOR Cam Newton 2011-10-30 MIN 2011-12-24 TAM |
Intercepted | 89 Jake Delhomme | 21 Kerry Collins 1997 | 4 (10 times) | 10 Jake Delhomme | 5 Jake Delhomme 2008 | 5 Jake Delhomme 2009-01-10 ARI | 19 Kerry Collins 1995 Chris Weinke 2001 | 4 Kerry Collins 1995-11-12 @STL 1995-11-26 @NOR Chris Weinke 2001-10-21 @WAS Cam Newton 2011-11-20 @DET |
Passer Rating | 87.7 Steve Beuerlein | 99.4 Cam Newton 2015 | 153.3 Cam Newton 2015-12-13 ATL | 83.9 Cam Newton | 106.1 Jake Delhomme 2003 | 120.6 Jake Delhomme 2006-01-15 @CHI | 84.5 Cam Newton 2011 | 142.4 Cam Newton 2011-12-24 TAM |
Sacked | 221 Cam Newton | 62 Steve Beuerlein 2000 | 9 Frank Reich 1995-09-03 @ATL Cam Newton 2014-11-10 @PHI | 16 Jake Delhomme Cam Newton | 8 Jake Delhomme 2003 Cam Newton 2015 | 6 Cam Newton 2016-02-07 NDEN | 35 Cam Newton 2011 | 8 Chris Weinke 2001-12-02 @NOR |
Yds/Pass Att | 7.44 Cam Newton | 7.98 Cam Newton 2012 | 12.65 Cam Newton 2012-09-16 NOR | 8.17 Jake Delhomme | 10.68 Cam Newton 2013 | 11.96 Cam Newton 2016-01-24 ARI | 7.84 Cam Newton 2011 | 11.41 Cam Newton 2011-09-11 @ARI |
Pass Yds/Game | 234.1 Cam Newton | 277.3 Steve Beuerlein 1999 | - | 245.3 Cam Newton | 267 Cam Newton 2013 | - | 253.2 Cam Newton 2011 | - |
Rushing
Regular season | Playoffs | Rookie | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Career | Season | Game | Career | Season | Game | Season | Game | |
Rush Attempts | 1,501 Jonathan Stewart | 318 Stephen Davis 2003 | 36 Nick Goings 2004-12-05 @NOR | 90 Jonathan Stewart | 64 Stephen Davis 2003 | 27 DeShaun Foster 2006-01-08 @NYG | 184 Jonathan Stewart 2008 | 34 Fred Lane 1997-12-08 @DAL |
Rush Yards | 6,846 DeAngelo Williams | 1,515 DeAngelo Williams 2008 | 210 DeAngelo Williams 2012-12-30 @NOR | 423 Jonathan Stewart | 315 Stephen Davis 2003 | 151 DeShaun Foster 2006-01-08 @NYG | 836 Jonathan Stewart 2008 | 147 Fred Lane 1997-11-02 OAK |
Rush Yds/Att | 5.18 Cam Newton | 5.83 Cam Newton 2012 | 10 DeAngelo Williams 2012-12-30 @NOR | 4.92 Stephen Davis | 5.22 Jonathan Stewart 2014 | 5.59 DeShaun Foster 2006-01-08 @NYG | 5.6 Cam Newton 2011 | 8.67 Jonathan Stewart 2008-11-16 DET |
Rushing TDs | 48 Cam Newton | 18 DeAngelo Williams 2008 | 4 DeAngelo Williams 2008-12-21 @NYG | 5 Jonathan Stewart | 3 Jonathan Stewart 2015 | 2 Jonathan Stewart 2016-01-17 SEA | 14 Cam Newton 2011 | 3 Fred Lane 1997-11-02 OAK Cam Newton 2011-12-04 @TAM |
Rush Yds/Game | 71.9 Stephen Davis | 103.1 Stephen Davis 2003 | - | 78.8 Stephen Davis | 102.5 DeShaun Foster 2005 | - | 62.2 Fred Lane 1997 | - |
Receiving
Regular season | Playoffs | Rookie | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Career | Season | Game | Career | Season | Game | Season | Game | |
Receptions | 836 Steve Smith | 103 Steve Smith 2005 | 14 Steve Smith 2005-11-20 @CHI | 51 Steve Smith | 27 Steve Smith 2005 | 12 Steve Smith 2006-01-15 @CHI | 73 Kelvin Benjamin 2014 | 9 Kelvin Benjamin 2014-11-16 ATL |
Receiving Yds | 12,197 Steve Smith | 1,563 Steve Smith 2005 | 201 Steve Smith 2005-10-30 MIN | 856 Steve Smith | 404 Steve Smith 2003 | 218 Steve Smith 2006-01-15 @CHI | 1,008 Kelvin Benjamin 2014 | 125 David Gettis 2010-10-24 SFO |
Yds/Rec | 14.59 Steve Smith | 18.77 Willie Green 1995 | 36.75 Willie Green 1995-12-17 ATL | 20.35 Muhsin Muhammad | 32.75 Drew Carter 2005 | 35 Muhsin Muhammad 2004-02-01 NNWE | 16.28 Muhsin Muhammad 1996 | 28.75 Keary Colbert 2004-10-10 @DEN |
Receiving TDs | 67 Steve Smith | 16 Muhsin Muhammad 2004 | 3 Muhsin Muhammad 1999-12-18 SFO 2004-11-14 @SFO Steve Smith 2005-09-25 @MIA 2007-09-16 HOU | 8 Steve Smith | 3 Steve Smith 2003 Steve Smith 2005 | 2 Steve Smith 2006-01-15 @CHI Kelvin Benjamin 2015-01-10 @SEA | 9 Kelvin Benjamin 2014 | 2 David Gettis 2010-10-24 SFO Kelvin Benjamin 2015-01-10 @SEA |
Rec Yds/Game | 67 Steve Smith | 101.5 Steve Smith 2008 | - | 95.1 Steve Smith | 111.7 Steve Smith 2005 | - | 63 Kelvin Benjamin 2014 | - |
Other
Regular season | Playoffs | Rookie | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Career | Season | Game | Career | Season | Game | Season | Game | |
Total TDs | 75 Steve Smith | 20 DeAngelo Williams 2008 | 4 DeAngelo Williams 2008-11-30 @GNB 2008-12-21 @NYG | 10 Steve Smith | 5 Steve Smith 2005 | 2 Steve Smith 2006-01-08 @NYG 2006-01-15 @CHI Kelvin Benjamin 2015-01-10 @SEA Jonathan Stewart 2016-01-17 SEA Cam Newton 2016-01-24 ARI | 14 Cam Newton 2011 | 3 Fred Lane 1997-11-02 OAK Cam Newton 2011-12-04 @TAM |
Yds from Scrimmage | 12,584 Steve Smith | 1,636 DeAngelo Williams 2008 | 213 DeAngelo Williams 2012-12-30 @NOR | 901 Steve Smith | 411 Steve Smith 2003 | 244 Steve Smith 2006-01-15 @CHI | 1,008 Kelvin Benjamin 2014 | 175 DeAngelo Williams 2006-12-04 @PHI |
All Purpose Yds | 16,614 Steve Smith | 1,994 Steve Smith 2001 | 313 Steve Smith 2002-12-08 CIN | 1,015 Steve Smith | 467 Steve Smith 2003 | 243 Steve Smith 2006-01-15 @CHI | 1,994 Steve Smith 2001 | 269 Steve Smith 2001-11-11 @STL |
Returning
Regular season | Playoffs | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Statistic | Career | Season | Game | Career | Season | Game |
Kick Returns | 233 Michael Bates | 59 Michael Bates 1998 | 9 Michael Bates 1998-10-04 @ATL | 16 Rod Smart | 12 Rod Smart 2003 | 5 Michael Bates 1997-01-05 DAL Rod Smart 2004-01-10 @STL Mark Jones 2009-01-10 ARI |
Kick Ret Yds | 5,987 Michael Bates | 1,480 Michael Bates 1998 | 252 Steve Smith 2001-11-11 @STL | 359 Rod Smart | 285 Rod Smart 2003 | 155 Michael Bates 1997-01-05 DAL |
Yds/KR | 25.7 Michael Bates | 30.24 Michael Bates 1996 | 46.67 Rod Smart 2003-10-05 NOR Kealoha Pilares 2011-11-20 @DET | 30.2 Mark Jones | 30.2 Mark Jones 2008 | 31 Michael Bates 1997-01-05 DAL |
Kick Ret TDs | 5 Michael Bates | 2 Michael Bates 1999 Steve Smith 2001 | 1 (7 times) | 0 | ||
Punt Returns | 178 Steve Smith | 55 Steve Smith 2002 | 9 Steve Smith 2002-09-15 DET | 8 Ted Ginn Jr. | 6 Ted Ginn Jr. 2015 | 3 Steve Smith 2004-01-03 DAL Ted Ginn Jr. 2016-02-07 NDEN |
Punt Ret Yds | 1,652 Steve Smith | 598 Winslow Oliver 1996 | 153 Steve Smith 2002-12-08 CIN | 73 Steve Smith | 58 Steve Smith 2005 | 59 Steve Smith 2006-01-22 @SEA |
Yds/PR | 11.36 Mark Jones | 17.3 Iheanyi Uwaezuoke 2000 | 51 Steve Smith 2002-12-08 CIN | 10.43 Steve Smith | 6.67 Ted Ginn Jr. 2015 | 4.33 Steve Smith 2004-01-03 DAL |
Punt Ret TDs | 4 Steve Smith | 2 Steve Smith 2002 | 2 Steve Smith 2002-12-08 CIN | 1 Steve Smith 2006-01-22 @SEA | ||
Total Return Yds | 4,023 Steve Smith | 1,795 Steve Smith 2001 | 206 Steve Smith 2001-10-14 NOR | 359 Rod Smart | 285 Rod Smart 2003 | 160 Mark Jones 2009-01-10 ARI |
Kicking
Regular season | Playoffs | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Statistic | Career | Season | Game | Career | Season | Game |
Extra Points | 429 John Kasay | 56 Graham Gano 2015 | 5 Richie Cunningham 1999-12-18 SFO John Kasay 2006-01-01 @ATL Graham Gano 2012-12-30 @NOR 2014-12-07 @NOR 2015-11-22 WAS | 18 John Kasay | 10 Graham Gano 2015 | 5 Graham Gano 2016-01-24 ARI |
Field Goals | 351 John Kasay | 37 John Kasay 1996 | 6 John Kasay 2004-12-05 @NOR | 21 John Kasay | 9 John Kasay 2003 | 5 John Kasay 2004-01-03 DAL |
Punts | 570 Jason Baker | 104 Todd Sauerbrun 2002 | 11 Todd Sauerbrun 2002-12-22 CHI | 25 Brad Nortman | 21 Todd Sauerbrun 2003 | 7 Todd Sauerbrun 2004-01-18 @PHI 2004-02-01 NNWE Jason Baker 2006-01-22 @SEA Brad Nortman 2016-02-07 NDEN |
Punt Yards | 25,064 Jason Baker | 4,735 Todd Sauerbrun 2002 | 451 Brad Nortman 2012-11-11 DEN | 1,012 Brad Nortman | 910 Todd Sauerbrun 2003 | 315 Brad Nortman 2016-02-07 NDEN |
Yards / Punt | 45.54 Todd Sauerbrun | 47.77 Brad Nortman 2013 | 56.71 Brad Nortman 2013-11-24 @MIA | 43.33 Todd Sauerbrun | 43.33 Todd Sauerbrun 2003 | 48.4 Todd Sauerbrun 2004-01-03 DAL |
Defense
Regular season | Playoffs | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Statistic | Career | Season | Game | Career | Season | Game |
Interceptions | 27 Chris Gamble | 8 Doug Evans 2001 | 2 (12 times) | 4 Ricky Manning | 4 Ricky Manning 2003 | 3 Ricky Manning 2004-01-18 @PHI |
Int Ret Yds | 421 Mike Minter | 157 Chris Gamble 2005 | 101 Chris Gamble 2005-11-06 @TAM | 49 Chad Cota and Pat Terrell both 1997-01-05 DAL | ||
Int Ret TDs | 5 Captain Munnerlyn | 2 Eric Davis 1998 Mike Minter 2003 Captain Munnerlyn 2012, 2013 Josh Norman 2015 | 1 (27 times) | 2 Luke Kuechly | 2 Luke Kuechly 2015 | 1 Luke Kuechly 2016-01-17 SEA 2016-01-24 ARI |
Sacks (since 1982) | 81 Julius Peppers | 15 Kevin Greene 1998 Greg Hardy 2013 | 4 Greg Hardy 2013-12-29 @ATL | 5 Charles Johnson | 3 Kony Ealy 2015 Charles Johnson 2015 | 3 Kony Ealy 2016-02-07 NDEN |
Exceptional performances
Career | Season | Playoffs | Rookie | |
---|---|---|---|---|
300+ yard passing games | 15 Cam Newton | 5 Steve Beuerlein 1999 | 2 Jake Delhomme | 3 Cam Newton 2011 |
100+ yard rushing games | 18 DeAngelo Williams | 8 Stephen Davis 2003 DeAngelo Williams 2008 | 2 Jonathan Stewart | 4 Fred Lane 1997 |
100+ yard receiving games | 46 Steve Smith | 10 Steve Smith 2005 | 3 Steve Smith | 3 Kelvin Benjamin 2014 |
Games with 1+ TD scored | 71 Steve Smith | 12 Steve Smith 2005 | 8 Steve Smith | 10 Cam Newton 2011 |
Games with 2+ TD scored | 11 Steve Smith DeAngelo Williams | 5 Muhsin Muhammad 2004 Steve Smith 2005 DeAngelo Williams 2008 | 2 Steve Smith | 3 Cam Newton 2011 |
Games with 3+ TD scored | 3 Steve Smith DeAngelo Williams | 3 DeAngelo Williams 2008 | 0 | 1 Fred Lane Cam Newton |
Most Seasons With...
4000+ passing yards | 1 Steve Beuerlein Cam Newton |
1000+ rushing yards | 2 DeAngelo Williams |
1000+ receiving yards | 7 Steve Smith |
References
Notes
Footnotes
- ↑ "Carolina Panthers Team Capsule" (PDF). 2016 Official National Football League Record and Fact Book. National Football League. July 15, 2016. Retrieved August 4, 2016.
- ↑ Strickland, Bryan (August 5, 2014). "Panthers announce jersey colors". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
- 1 2 "Carolina Panthers". Forbes. 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
- ↑ "Panther Football, LLC". North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State. January 1, 2000. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
- ↑ "Panthers Stadium, LLC". North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State. July 16, 2002. Retrieved August 24, 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 "Chronology". Team History. Carolina Panthers. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
- ↑ Hoffer, Richard (October 28, 1991). "The Franchise". Sports Illustrated. New York: Time Inc. 75 (19): 64–66, 70, 72–73. ISSN 0038-822X. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
- 1 2 Swan, Gary (September 19, 1996). "Carolina's Davis Has His Hands Full Again / Former 49ers corner renews duel with Rice". San Francisco Chronicle. OCLC 137344428. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
- ↑ Caldwell, Dave (November 3, 1994). "Nfl Owners Decide Against Realignment Complications Carolina Panthers "Slotted" To Nfc West. Jacksonville Jaguars Go To Afc Central.". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved September 1, 2013.
- 1 2 "Panthers let Capers go after dismal 4–12 season". Sports Illustrated. Associated Press. December 28, 1998. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
- ↑ Don, Pierson (January 6, 1997). "Panthers Push Out Cowboys". Chicago Tribune. ISSN 1085-6706. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
- ↑ "1996 Green Bay Packers Statistics & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
- ↑ "Panthers fire head coach Seifert after 1–15 season". Sports Illustrated. January 2, 2002. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
- ↑ Banks, Don (May 22, 2001). "Seattle moved to NFC in approved realignment plan". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 1, 2013.
- ↑ Fryer, Jenna (January 26, 2002). "Carolina hires Fox as new head coach". Athens Banner-Herald. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
- ↑ Chadiha, Jeffri (September 1, 2003). "Carolina Panthers". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
- ↑ "Parcells can only do so much as Cowboys no match for Panthers". FOX Sports. January 4, 2004. Archived from the original on April 18, 2014. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
- ↑ King, Peter. "What more could you want?". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
- ↑ "Top Ten Super Bowls: Super Bowl XXXVIII". NFL.com. January 27, 2011. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
- ↑ "Top 10 best Super Bowl games". Fox Sports on MSN. January 22, 2012. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
- ↑ Fischer-Baum, Reuben (February 6, 2013). "What Was The Best Super Bowl Ever? Ranking All 47 Games According To Watchability". Deadspin. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
- ↑ Rothschild, Richard (January 30, 2012). "Grading all 45 Super Bowls". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
- ↑ "Carolina Panther's 'Wine and Cheese' Fans". NPR. January 29, 2004. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
- ↑ Bernstein, Viv (January 3, 2005). "Pro Football; New Orleans and Carolina Battle as if There's No Tomorrow, and There Isn't". The New York Times. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
- ↑ "Panthers clinch berth, expend little effort vs. Falcons". ESPN.com. January 1, 2006. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
- ↑ Bayless, Skip. "Wanna go for a [wild] ride?". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
- ↑ Bayless, Skip. "The Seahawks are far from super". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
- ↑ "Seahawks smash Panthers, clinch first Super Bowl in team history". ESPN.com. January 22, 2006. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
- ↑ "Playoff-bound Saints rest key starters in loss to Panthers". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
- ↑ Yasinskas, Pat. "Delhomme sees silver lining in long rehab from elbow injury". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
- ↑ "Soaring Cardinals one game away from first Super Bowl berth". ESPN.com. January 10, 2009. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
- ↑ "Report: Panthers won't fire coach, GM". ESPN.com. December 28, 2009. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
- ↑ Easterbrook, Gregg (January 5, 2010). "New York Jets in playoffs = conspiracy". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
- ↑ Odum, Charles (January 3, 2011). "Falcons beat Panthers 31–10, win home-field edge". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
- 1 2 3 "Ron Rivera knows he has to win". ESPN.com. January 29, 2013. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
- ↑ Leahy, Sean (April 28, 2011). "Carolina Panthers select Cam Newton with No. 1 pick in NFL draft". USA Today. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
- ↑ Wilner, Barry (February 4, 2012). "Cam Newton Wins 2012 Offensive Rookie Of Year". The Huffington Post. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
- ↑ "Cam Newton, Greg Hardy help Panthers clinch NFC South title". ESPN.com. December 30, 2013. Retrieved December 30, 2013.
- ↑ "Playoff clinching: Carolina Panthers lock up NFC South". NFL.com. December 28, 2014. Retrieved December 29, 2014.
- ↑ "Panthers bury Cardinals behind Cam Newton, historic effort on defense". ESPN. January 3, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2015.
- ↑ Hanzus, Dan (January 3, 2016). "Panthers clinch home-field advantage in playoffs". National Football League. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
- ↑ Breiner, Ben (February 5, 2016). "Are the Panthers South Carolina's team?". The State. Retrieved October 12, 2016.
- ↑ "Panthers introduce refined logo". Carolina Panthers. January 29, 2012. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
- ↑ "Carolina Panthers change logo for the first time". EPSN. January 30, 2012. Retrieved October 12, 2016.
- 1 2 Chandler, Charles (October 26, 2008). "Fifteen years of the Panthers". The Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on February 15, 2013. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
- ↑ Fowler, Scott (February 2, 2012). "Richardson tells Panther fan that helmets will change, uniforms won't". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
- 1 2 "Wear your team jersey colors". Carolina Panthers. August 8, 2012. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
- ↑ Strickland, Brian (September 28, 2012). "Fans ask about team morale, uniforms". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
- 1 2 Strickland, Bryan (January 31, 2013). "When will Panthers be back in black?". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved July 21, 2013.
- ↑ Henson, Max. "Notes: Committed to the Carolinas". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
- ↑ Fowler, Scott (July 24, 2013). "Panthers win Greatest Uniform Ever contest, and will now wear black more often". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
- ↑ Strickland, Brian (December 12, 2013). "Notes: Panthers to wear black pants". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved December 25, 2013.
- ↑ "Panthers Unveil Color Rush Uniform". Carolina Panthers. November 19, 2015. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
- ↑ Fowler, Scott (April 3, 2012). "Carolina Panthers' uniforms to honor Sam Mills legacy". The State. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
- ↑ Strickland, Bryan (April 3, 2012). "Panthers uniforms unveiled". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
- ↑ "Contact Us". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
- ↑ "Tours". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
- ↑ "Best Public Art in Uptown Charlotte". CBS Charlotte. October 1, 2012. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
- 1 2 "Hall of Honor". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
- ↑ "Sam Mills III". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
- ↑ "Stadium Facts". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
- 1 2 Strickland, Brian (July 30, 2012). "Governor proclaims "Carolina Panthers Day" in S.C.". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved May 7, 2013.
- 1 2 Cranston, Mike (September 13, 2007). "Panthers fortify practice facility to keep out spies". USA Today. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
- ↑ Yasinskas, Pat (May 4, 2009). "NFC South not big on 'bubbles'". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
- ↑ Banks, Don (August 2, 2012). "Postcard from camp: Panthers". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
- ↑ Breech, John (January 24, 2016). "LOOK: Panthers' #OneCarolina hashtag has taken over social media". CBS Sports. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
- ↑ Yasinskas, Pat (August 29, 2008). "Playoff drought leaves Dolphins' fans parched for a winner". ESPN.com. p. 3. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
- ↑ "NFL Fan Value Experience". Sports Illustrated. November 7, 2007. Retrieved January 19, 2013.
- ↑ Gantt, Darin (January 16, 2013). "Report: Richardson plans to have Panthers sold after he dies". Pro Football Talk. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
- ↑ "NFL Attendance −2012". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
- ↑ http://espn.go.com/nfl/attendance/_/year/2015
- ↑ "Mascot". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
- ↑ "Sir Purr – Outreach". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
- ↑ "Cheerleaders". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
- ↑ "Drumline". Carolina Panthers. Archived from the original on January 18, 2013. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
- ↑ Schwartz, Nick (February 1, 2016). "How 'Keep Pounding' became the Panthers' inspirational team motto". USA Today. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
- ↑ "Keep Pounding Drummer". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved September 20, 2015.
- 1 2 Squires, Chase (February 1, 2004). "Squad's '95 fans remember the team spirit". St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
- ↑ "Stand and Cheer". Carolina Panthers. March 9, 2009. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
- ↑ http://www.charlottefive.com/since-the-panthers-keep-winning-you-should-probably-learn-that-cheesy-stand-and-cheer-fight-song/
- ↑ Sorenson, Tom (October 25, 2010). "Panthers like sweet sound of victory". The News & Observer. Archived from the original on September 9, 2013. Retrieved September 9, 2010.
- ↑ Keep Pounding. Jan 4, 2016. Retrieved July 15, 2016.
- 1 2 "Carolina Panthers Charities". Carolina Panthers. Archived from the original on September 15, 2013. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
- ↑ "Carolina Panthers – Fisher Athletic High School Equipment Grant" (PDF). Carolina Panthers. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
- ↑ "Charity Events". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
- ↑ "Keep Pounding". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
- ↑ "Community". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
- ↑ "Radio". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved September 12, 2013.
- ↑ "Television". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved September 12, 2013.
- ↑ "Carolina Panthers – Spanish".
- ↑ "Who are these enthusiastic guys broadcasting Carolina Panthers games in Spanish?". charlotteobserver.
- 1 2 3 Sorenson, Tom (September 28, 2008). "Sorensen: Falcons vs. Panthers is no rivalry". The Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on February 15, 2013. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
- ↑ "Saints, Panthers rivalry deepening after New Orleans' 30–27 win". WWL-TV. October 21, 2011. Archived from the original on January 11, 2014. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
- ↑ Yasinskas, Pat (December 9, 2012). "Panthers score some points for Rivera". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
- 1 2 Yasinskas, Pat (September 11, 2008). "NFC South's most intense rivalry: Panthers vs. Bucs". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
- 1 2 Holder, Stephen F. (October 19, 2009). "Carolina Panthers cornerback Dante Wesley suspended for hit on Tampa Bay Buccaneers returner Clifton Smith". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved March 4, 2013.
- ↑ Fowler, Scott (October 22, 2010). "My Panthers-49ers prediction". The Charlotte Observer. Scott Says. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
- ↑ Person, Joseph (January 12, 2016). "A look back at past 5 games in Panthers-Seahawks rivalry". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
- ↑ Fowler, Scott (May 9, 2013). "Panther Hall of Honor more like crawlspace". Scott Says. The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved May 9, 2013.
- ↑ "Mission Statement". Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved March 3, 2013.
- ↑ "Becoming a Hall of Famer". Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
- ↑ Person, Joseph (January 5, 2011). "Panthers owner looks back, ahead". The News & Observer. Archived from the original on March 16, 2013. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
- ↑ Biggs, Brad (October 26, 2009). "Change in NFL ownership rules aids family-owned teams like Bears". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on May 12, 2013. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
- ↑ Badenhausen, Kurt (July 16, 2012). "Manchester United Tops The World's 50 Most Valuable Sports Teams". Forbes. Retrieved January 28, 2013.
- ↑ Yasinskas, Pat (September 1, 2009). "Richardson's sons resign unexpectedly". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
- ↑ Person, Joe; Jones, Jonathan; Green Jr., Ron (September 2, 2009). "Danny Morrison file". Charlotte.com. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
- ↑ "Head Coaches". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved April 28, 2013.
- ↑ "Dom Capers Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks". Sports-Reference. Retrieved 2016-01-27.
- ↑ "George Seifert Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks". Sports-Reference. Retrieved 2016-01-27.
- ↑ "John Fox Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks". Sports-Reference. Retrieved 2016-01-27.
- ↑ "Ron Rivera Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks". Sports-Reference. Retrieved 2016-01-27.
- ↑ Yasinskas, Pat (August 31, 2012). "John Kasay back to Panthers? Doubt it". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 29, 2013.
- ↑ "Carolina Panthers". CBS Sports. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
- ↑ "Playoff Game Summaries" (pdf). NFL.com. Retrieved January 14, 2013.
- ↑ "Past Standings (1920–2011)" (PDF). NFL.com. Retrieved February 27, 2013.
- ↑ "Standings". NFL.com. Retrieved March 5, 2013.
- ↑ Adam Stites (December 7, 2015). "2015 NFL playoff picture, Week 13: Panthers become first team to clinch, win NFC South". SBNation.com. Vox Media.
- 1 2 3 "All-Time Leaders". Carolina Panthers. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
- ↑ "Carolina Panthers Head-to-Head Records". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved September 9, 2013.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Carolina Panthers. |
- Official website
- Carolina Panthers at NFL.com