The Carolina Panthers entered the NFL in only 1995, making them one of the youngest teams within the franchise. Even though they have been in the league for less than 30 years, they have developed a large fan base and had some great successes.
Due to having made the Super Bowl twice, the Carolina Panthers odds are always quite high. All of their success is thanks to the great players they have managed to add to their roster.
- Luke Kuechly, Linebacker (2012-19)
Luke Kuechly, the 9th choice in the 2012 NFL Draft, played for the Panthers for his whole 8-year career. With a career-high 164 tackles in his debut season, Kuechly dominated the NFL in that category.
He made 12 tackles for loss, recovered three fumbles, and intercepted two passes. He also won the title of Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Kuechly won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award the next year. He participated in seven straight Pro Bowls (2013–19). Kuechly was also chosen twice for the second-team All-Pro and five times for the first-team All-Pro.
In January 2020, Kuechly declared that he was retiring from the NFL.
- Julius Peppers, Defensive End (2002-09, 2017-18)
Julius Peppers, the team’s number 2 pick in the 2002 NFL Draft, played for the Panthers for his first eight seasons and his final two.
During his time with the Panthers, Peppers was selected to four Pro Bowls. Peppers, a six-time All-Pro, was so dominant for Carolina that the NFL named him to its All-Decade Team for the 2000s.
Peppers, who holds the most defensive sacks in team history (97), is the leader of several franchise defensive records. In addition, Peppers holds the team’s records for caused fumbles (34) and tackles for loss (107).
In NFL history, Peppers is the sole player with at least 10 interceptions and 150+ sacks.
- Thomas Davis, Linebacker (2005-2018)
Thomas Davis played for the Panthers over 14 seasons, second most in team history only to kicker John Kasay (16). In terms of games played (176), Davis is third.
Davis, a three-time Pro Bowler, overcame a long list of obstacles. In his right knee, he had three different ACL tears. Davis continues to be the only athlete in professional history to play through three successive ACL tears.
From 2015 to 2017 Davis appeared in three Pro Bowls. He was named to the first team of the All-Pros in 2015, which was his best season. He recorded career highs in passes defended (7), forced fumbles (4), interceptions (4), and sacks (5.5).
In terms of individual tackles (789) and combined tackles (1,098), Davis holds the Panthers’ record.
Keep an eye on the Fantasy NFL picks, to see who is the new talent emerging for the Carolina Panthers.
- Cam Newton, Quarterback (2011-19)
Newton, who was chosen with the first overall choice in the 2011 NFL Draft, excelled straight away. The quarterback passed for 422 yards, one interception, and two touchdowns, in his debut game as a professional.
Newton was selected to the Pro Bowl in his rookie year. In addition, Newton made NFL history by becoming the first player to sprint for 500 yards and pass for 4,000 in the same season.
The Panthers made four postseason appearances under Newton’s leadership. The team records for quarterback victories (68), passing touchdowns (182), passing yards (29,041), and rushing touchdowns (58) are all held by Newton.
Cam “Superman” Newton, is the only MVP in the Panther’s history.
- Steve Smith, Wide Receiver (2001-2013)
Throughout his 13 years with the Panthers, Steve Smith caught 836 receptions for 12,197 yards and 67 touchdowns.
The third-round draft pick Smith took the initial kickoff for a touchdown on the very first play of his career. He contributed significantly to the Panthers’ triumph as a receiver and runner. With Carolina, Smith has amassed seven seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards, the first of which was in 2003.
In double overtime, Smith caught a 69-yard catch-and-run touchdown throw from quarterback Jake Delhomme while playing the Rams in the NFC Divisional Round. The Carolina Panthers clinched the NFC Championship the next week, making their first Super Bowl appearance in team history.
Final Thoughts
They may have not been part of the NFL for long, but the Carolina Panthers have made a mark on the franchise. Overall, they have had two Super Bowl appearances and various successes. These wins are all down to the amazing talent within the team.
There are lots of players we could have mentioned that have helped the Carolina Panthers to find success. Yet, we have named the greatest players that the Panthers have been lucky enough to obtain. All of these players have set incredible records which others will strive to beat.
