I can remember slouching in my seat at Bank of America Stadium in 2010. I watched the Panthers reel off one of their two wins of that abysmal season, knowing that much hope had been lost in the franchise. Matt Moore, Jimmy Clausen--it was clear that we had no franchise quarterback.

A franchise changing draft in 2011 and 2012, a few up and down seasons later, and we arrive at today. We arrive to a 14-0 Panthers team that has defied all odds. They were left out in the cold after star wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin tore his ACL in the preseason--who would Cam throw it to?

Meanwhile, the Hornets pass on Justise Winslow in the NBA draft and rumored multiple draft selections from the Boston Celtics. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist suffers a substantial injury, and now to, the Hornets season looks to go nowhere.

A slightly re-structured team with additions such as Nic Batum, and the Hornets are playing an exciting brand of basketball that has fans remincing about the years dominated by Muggsy Bogues, Dell Curry, and Larry Johnson.

If you have remained faithful to Charlotte professional sports, I don't need to remind you of how special this year has been. Charlotte has two convincingly strong franchises representing the Queen City. When the Panthers ended the 2010 season, many of us would have never guessed that the Panthers would be playing for an undefeated regular season and aiming to improve to 15-0 two days after Christmas. We probably would not have guessed that the Hornets would be simultaneously working their way through the NBA schedule with multiple victories separating themselves from a losing record.This is the brightest spot in Charlotte professional sports history and the future is bright with a young and talented Panthers squad rumbling their way through NFL history and the Hornets proving that we can also expect excellence in basketball.

Appreciate the winning records and keep eating Krispy Kreme doughnuts on Mondays. This is the greatest time to be alive as a Charlotte sports fan.