Webster’s dictionary defines “bandwagon fan” as this; “Someone who pledges their eternal and undying allegiance to any sports team that has experienced any amount of success in the current/previous season. Said team allegiance will vary by year.” Okay, maybe I paraphrased a little. I’m not one to be dramatic but HOLY CRAP the last NFL season and everything associated with the Carolina Panthers has made me want to stick flaming hot needles, one by one, under each of my fingernails. Twice. We went from so close to a Lombardi that we could taste it, to a back page headline everywhere but Charlotte. But here's a novel idea, I'm STILL a fan.
I was born in 1992, the year before the big cats were even established, so I was literally born and raised a Panther’s fan. Growing up right outside of the Queen City and taking full advantage of the PSL tickets my family owns, I started to bleed black, blue and silver. There are pictures of my dad carrying me on his shoulders up to the front of Bank of America stadium when I was about 4 years old. I have spent countless money on Panthers apparel and I have convinced myself I look dang good in the Panthers logo. I have grown accustomed to the electrifying atmosphere that is Charlotte, North Carolina on a game day Sunday, regardless of what our record is that particular season.
Something about the 2015-2016 season was different from the get-go and I have literally never experienced anything like it. I was so excited by all of the Panthers colors everywhere I turned, people were finally realizing what I had been feeling all my life. That Jerry Richardson should be President and Cam Newton needs to be the face of every company on the planet so we can just stare at that smile all the time. I went to the NFC Championship game with my parents and would absolutely say that was one of the best nights of my life. I've never sang "Sweet Caroline" any louder than I did after that win. After quite literally one of the best seasons the Cats had ever had, February 7th came and went, and our chance at that year's Superbowl was over. We lost more than the title that day, we lost probably half of our fan base that we had gained only earlier that year.
What do I think about that? Good riddance. To those fans, enjoy the Patriots, Cowboys or whatever team you decide to follow this upcoming season because you like how their colors look with your eyes. Enjoy the winning seasons and all the glory. I will continue to support my home team. I'll continue to beat that drum at the entrance of the stadium and gorge myself on North Carolina BBQ on a cool, fall Sunday in the South.
Something about going 15-1 made people forget that the Panthers don't have a winning lifetime record. As fans, we take what we can get and we enjoy the wins and sometimes, even just the close games. Keep pounding, my friends.
Oh, one last thing.
All hail Luke Kuechly.
