The Carolina Panthers were founded in 1995 and since then they have seen some of football’s all-time great players don their famous uniform. The Charlotte-based outfit has thrilled its loyal fanbase and with superstars like Steve Smith and Cam Newton to underrated heroes like Jordan Gross and Kalil Olson regularly featuring, there has never been a shortage of talent donning black & blue jerseys on Sundays.
On September 7th, the Detroit Lions will play their first game of the new NFL season away at the Kansas City Chiefs, who are the defending champions. Given that Bryce Young was chosen as the top overall choice in the 2023 NFL Draft, Panthers supporters are already salivating at the thought of the upcoming season. The Alabama Crimson Tide standout is expected to be the new franchise, and fans are optimistic that their new upstart quarterback can help them build on a decent end to last season.
The Panthers had a terrible start to the season last year, winning just two of their first nine games. But in the latter stretch of the season, they pieced together a good run of five victories in eight games, which should prepare them well for the coming year. The latest NFL spreads and futures by Bodog currently make the Bank of America Stadium outfit +6500 outsiders for the Lombardi, but that shouldn’t dishearten them ahead of a season of continued progress.
We’ll take an in-depth look at the Panthers’ greatest players in this piece, covering everything from what made them successful to why fans still adore them today.
Cam Newton
On the football field, Cam Newton was a player to be feared. It is understandable why he is frequently referred to as the Carolina Panthers’ greatest player ever given his unquestionable brilliance and leadership abilities. His impressive career speaks for itself. He led his team to their first Super Bowl appearance, where they would go on to lose to Peyton Manning and his Denver Broncos, and was voted the league’s Most Valuable Player during the 2016 season.
Super Cam, as he’s affectionately known, began his professional journey with the Panthers in 2011 and has since gone on to become the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. After a string of injury issues, he left the franchise back in 2020, but his legacy will live on, and hopefully, the incoming Bryce Young can finally fill the void that the 34-year-old left behind.
But Newton’s accomplishments go beyond numbers and accolades and as such, it is simple to understand why Newton has become a popular character in Carolina sports history. His outsized personality and contagious enthusiasm have motivated his teammates and captivated fans throughout the league.
Julius Peppers
Julius Peppers accomplished tremendous feats during his time with the Carolina Panthers, displaying his exceptional ability as a defensive end. His hard work and dedication have brought him 67.5 sacks, over 150 tackles, and eight Pro Bowl selections. But there was so much more to Peppers than his imposing statistics.
Fans will always remember him as a player who brought fervor, vision, and a tireless work ethic to the game. Even as his career came to a close, Peppers never lost his passion for the sport and continued to inspire his team with his grace on the field.
Luke Kuechly
Luke Kuechly’s name resonates deeply with Carolina Panthers fans and for a big reason. Fans will always recall how he burst onto the scene, hitting all the right steps with his intuition and winning attitude. Over time, he would establish himself as the backbone of the Panthers’ defense, bringing his talent to bear and cinching seven Pro Bowl awards along with the 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year prize.
Yet, Kuechly’s star power never relied merely on awards or titles. He was a stalwart leader both on and off the field, inspiring his teammates to stay motivated and strive to be their best selves, no matter the circumstances. His retirement in 2020 left a gaping hole for Panthers fans, but his legacy and storied career remain an inspiration and proof of his unmatched passion for the sport.
Steve Smith
The man, the myth, the legend, Steve Smith clocked in a whopping 13 years with the Carolina Panthers and nothing less than a legendary career to show for it. Holder of the team record for receiving yards, receptions, and touchdowns; Smith was an easy pick for an impressive five All-Pro teams during his time with the Panthers.
Even as he moved on in 2014 to play for the Baltimore Ravens, he remained a fan favorite in Charlotte, remembered for his explosive style and for giving his all on the field. In 2016, he retired from the sport, capping off a career marked by skill, perseverance, and grit.
Greg Olsen
The Carolina Panthers have welcomed some very outstanding players to their field during their time as an NFL team. Greg Olsen, though, will almost always be mentioned when discussing who their greatest player ever was.
Olsen has been a model of consistency and excellence ever since he put on a Panthers uniform for the first time in 2011; he consistently earns Pro Bowl nominations and team honors. His leadership and commitment to the success of his team as a whole, rather than just his own achievement, are what really set him apart.
