It was a disappointing ending to a close game last night for the Carolina Panthers and their fans. We made it to Super Bowl 50 and fought like champs.
As Jerry Richardson once said, "the fan is the most valuable member of our team." But besides the fact that the Panthers have the most dedicated and enthusiastic fans out there, here are 11 more reasons why the Carolina Panthers are the best. Keep pounding, 'thers.
1. The Best Record This Season. With 15 wins and only 1 loss, they played better than any other team. It was the third-longest regular-season winning streak in NFL history. Only 15 teams have previously reached 10-0, and the Panthers are the only one to ever achieve it directly after a losing season.
2. Cam Newton. That alone should be reason enough. He's MVP and has the most career rushing touchdowns by any quarterback. He is the first player in NFL history with 35 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns in a single season. And he gives footballs to kids in the stands. What a guy.
3. Kripsy Kreme Doughnuts on Sale. Every Monday after a Panthers victory, a dozen of the original glazed doughnuts are only four bucks in North and South Carolina. The blue and black spirit is everywhere.
4. Famous Fans. The Panthers are supported by many celebrities, such as NBA's reigning MVP Stephen Curry, pro tennis player John Isner, model and actress Brooklyn Decker, pro wrestler Brad Maddox, and NBA star Anthony Morrow.
5. The Keep Pounding Drum. Before every home game, the entire stadium is rallied together by the beat of a massive drum, which is hit four times to signify four quarters. "Keep Pounding" has become a favorite phrase for the Panthers in honor of the late Sam Mills. It stands for commitment, dedication to teammates, team effort, and never giving up.
6. Thomas Davis played with a broken arm. If that's not dedication, then I don't know what is. And it's not the first time this outside linebacker has played through an injury. During the Week Six game vs. Seattle, he dislocated his finger, popped it back in mid-play and made a big tackle. Yikes. He is also the first NFL player to return and play a full season after three ACL surgeries on the same knee. Davis definitely represents the determination of his team.
7. "Sweet Caroline." After a home victory, this song is played and sung in the stadium, showing the mutual love between the players, fans, and Carolina land. Fun fact: the Panthers logo is supposed to loosely resemble the outline of North and South Carolina together. Do you see it?
10. Luke Kuechly. Despite missing three games in 2015, this linebacker finished 12th in the NFL with 118 tackles. Since entering the NFL in 2012, Luke Kuechly has tallied 11 interceptions, the most among NFL linebackers during that time.
11. A Record number of Pro Bowlers. A franchise record: 10 Panthers were selected to the Pro Bowl this year.
12. The Six Bronze Panthers. Six iconic panther statues guard the entrances of the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Unveiled in the summer of 1996, these statues are the largest sculptures ever commissioned in the United States.
13. "Riverboat Ron." Where would we be without our coach? The Panthers' coach Ron Rivera transformed a struggling team into a band of champions that dominated the field this season. His nickname "Riverboat Ron" comes from back in 2013 when Carolina went 12-4 and won the division for the first time in five years.
14. Delta the Horse. Last but not least, Cornerback Josh Norman has a horse named Delta, who even has her own Twitter account. Norman enjoys spending time with Delta as much as he loves the game. Panthers players are just as sweet as they are strong.
