History of Carolina Panthers in Timeline

The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team located in Charlotte, North Carolina. As a member of the NFC South division, they compete in the NFL. Their home games are played at Bank of America Stadium in Uptown Charlotte. While based in Charlotte since 1996, the Panthers played their inaugural season's home games in Clemson, South Carolina in 1995. The team enjoys regional support across both North and South Carolina.

1959: Baltimore Colts Championship Bonus

In 1959, Jerry Richardson, then a wide receiver on the Baltimore Colts, used his league championship bonus to co-franchise the first Hardee's restaurant in Spartanburg, SC.

1976: Record for consecutive losses

In 2001, The Carolina Panthers broke the record held by the winless 1976 Buccaneers for most consecutive losses in a single season

1980: First Playoff Shutout Against a Home Team

In 2005, the Carolina Panthers had the NFL's first playoff shutout against a home team since 1980, with a 23-0 victory over the New York Giants.

December 15, 1987: Jerry Richardson Announced Bid for NFL Expansion Franchise

On December 15, 1987, entrepreneur Jerry Richardson announced his bid for an NFL expansion franchise in the Carolinas.

1989: Preseason Games

In 1989, Richardson Sports held preseason games around the Carolinas to highlight the demand for professional football, starting with a game at Carter–Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina.

1991: Application Filed for Expansion Spot

In 1991, Richardson Sports formally filed an application for the open NFL expansion spot.

October 1993: Panthers Announced as 29th NFL Team

In October 1993, the Carolina Panthers were announced as the 29th NFL team. The logo and helmet design had been finalized, but the uniform design was still under creation.

October 26, 1993: Carolina Panthers Named 29th Member of NFL

On October 26, 1993, the 28 NFL owners unanimously named the Carolina Panthers as the 29th member of the NFL.

1993: Team rights purchased

In 1993, Jerry Richardson and other investors paid $206 million for the rights to start the Carolina Panthers team.

1993: Panthers Announced as 29th Franchise

In 1993, the Carolina Panthers were announced as the league's 29th franchise.

1994: Mike McCormack becomes team president

In 1994, Mike McCormack became the first team president for the Carolina Panthers.

1995: Practice at Winthrop University

During the 1995 season, the Carolina Panthers held their practices at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, while their home games were played in South Carolina.

1995: Dom Capers becomes head coach

In 1995, Dom Capers became the head coach of the Carolina Panthers.

1995: John Kasay joins Panthers

In 1995, John Kasay joined the Carolina Panthers and later became the team's career points leader.

1995: Panthers began playing football

In 1995, the Carolina Panthers began playing football.

1995: Inaugural Season

In 1995, the Carolina Panthers began playing in the NFL under founding owner Jerry Richardson, finishing with a 7-9 record, the best for an NFL expansion team's first season.

1995: Inaugural Season and First Game

In 1995, the Carolina Panthers competed in their first NFL season, starting with a loss to the Atlanta Falcons 23–20 in overtime but finishing the season with a 7–9 record, the best for a first-year expansion team. The Panthers also won their first game in franchise history, a 26-15 win over the New York Jets.

1996: Ericsson Stadium Opened

Ericsson Stadium, which is called Bank of America Stadium since 2004, opened in the summer of 1996.

1996: NFC Championship Game and NFC West championship

In 1996, the Carolina Panthers lost in the NFC Championship Game and won the NFC West championship.

1996: Home games in Charlotte

In 1996, the Carolina Panthers played their home games in Charlotte, North Carolina.

1997: Mike McCormack retires, Mark Richardson appointed

In 1997, Mike McCormack retired as team president and Jerry Richardson's son, Mark, was appointed as the team's second president.

1997: Establishment of the Hall of Honor

In 1997, the Carolina Panthers Hall of Honor was established to honor individuals for their contributions to the Carolina Panthers organization.

1997: Season Finish

In 1997, the Carolina Panthers finished with a 7-9 record.

1998: End of Dom Capers' Tenure

In 1998, Dom Capers' tenure as head coach of the Carolina Panthers concluded.

1998: Capers' Dismissal

In 1998, after a 4-12 season, Dom Capers was dismissed as head coach of the Carolina Panthers.

1998: White Jerseys with Silver Pants

In 1998, the Carolina Panthers paired their white jerseys with silver pants in a game against the Indianapolis Colts.

1999: George Seifert coaches team

In 1999, George Seifert began coaching the Carolina Panthers.

1999: 8-8 Season

In 1999, George Seifert led the Carolina Panthers to an 8-8 record in his first season as head coach.

1999: "Stand and Cheer" Pulled Due to Fan Reaction

In 1999, the Carolina Panthers' official fight song, "Stand and Cheer," was pulled due to negative fan reaction.

2000: 7-9 Season

In 2000, the Carolina Panthers finished with a 7-9 record.

2001: End of George Seifert's Coaching

In 2001, George Seifert's tenure as head coach of the Carolina Panthers ended.

2001: Steve Smith joins Panthers

In 2001, Steve Smith joined the Carolina Panthers and later became the team's leading receiver.

2001: 1-15 Season and Drafting of Steve Smith

In 2001, the Carolina Panthers had a disastrous 1-15 season, tying the NFL record for most losses and leading to Seifert's firing, but they drafted future franchise wide receiver Steve Smith in the third round of the 2001 NFL draft.

2002: John Fox becomes head coach

In 2002, John Fox became the head coach of the Carolina Panthers.

2002: Establishment of NFC South

In 2002, The Carolina Panthers tied with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints for seven NFC South titles since the division's establishment.

2002: Blue Alternate Jersey Introduced

In 2002, the Carolina Panthers introduced their blue jerseys, designated as their alternate uniforms.

2002: Relocation to NFC South and Drafting of Julius Peppers

In 2002, the Carolina Panthers were relocated to the newly created NFC South division and drafted future Hall of Fame defensive end Julius Peppers. They also hired John Fox as head coach.

2002: Origin of the Panthers-Buccaneers Rivalry

In 2002, the Carolina Panthers' rivalry with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers originated with the formation of the NFC South.

2003: Super Bowl XXXVIII Appearance

In 2003, after signing quarterback Jake Delhomme, the Carolina Panthers finished with an 11-5 record, won the NFC South, defeated the Dallas Cowboys, the St. Louis Rams, and the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs, and advanced to Super Bowl XXXVIII, where they lost to the New England Patriots 32–29 in a game later hailed as one of the greatest Super Bowls of all time. The Panthers' Super Bowl appearance represented the arrival of Charlotte onto the national scene.

2003: Sam Mills Speech Before Playoff Game

In 2003, prior to the playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sam Mills gave a speech to the players and coaches where he introduced the phrase "Keep Pounding".

2003: NFC Championship and Super Bowl XXXVIII Appearance

In 2003, the Carolina Panthers won the NFC Championship Game and reached Super Bowl XXXVIII, where they lost to the New England Patriots 32–29.

2003: Won NFC Championship Game and NFC South championship

In 2003, the Carolina Panthers won the NFC Championship Game and the NFC South championship.

2003: Escalation of Rivalry with Buccaneers

In 2003, the Carolina Panthers-Tampa Bay Buccaneers rivalry escalated due to verbal bouts and a physical game won by the Panthers.

2003: Establishment of Keep Pounding Fund

In 2003, the Panthers and Carolinas HealthCare Foundation established the Keep Pounding Fund to support cancer research and patient support programs.

2004: Ericsson Stadium Renamed

Ericsson Stadium, home of the Carolina Panthers, was renamed Bank of America Stadium in 2004.

2004: Inspiration for the Keep Pounding Drum

In 2004, Sam Mills delivered a motivational speech before the team's playoff game against the Cowboys which would later inspire the Keep Pounding Drum tradition.

2004: Season Finish

In 2004, after a 1-7 start, the Carolina Panthers rebounded but missed the playoffs, finishing the season at 7-9.

2005: Playoff Berth

In 2005, the Carolina Panthers improved to 11-5, clinched a playoff berth as a wild card, beat the New York Giants and Chicago in the playoffs, but lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.

2005: Lost NFC Championship Game

In 2005, the Carolina Panthers lost in the NFC Championship Game.

2005: Sam Mills Died of Cancer

In 2012, after Nike became the NFL's jersey supplier, the Carolina Panthers' collar was altered to honor former player and coach Sam Mills by featuring the phrase "Keep Pounding". Sam Mills died of cancer in 2005.

2006: Disappointing Season

In 2006, despite being favored to win the NFC South, the Carolina Panthers finished with a disappointing 8-8 record, despite the free agent signing of Keyshawn Johnson.

2006: Home attendance ranking in NFL's top ten

Since 2006, the Carolina Panthers' home attendance has consistently ranked in the NFL's top ten.

2006: "Stand and Cheer" Returns

Since 2006, the song "Stand and Cheer" has returned and the team plays Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" after home victories.

Loading Video...

2007: Sports Illustrated grades Panthers Fan Value Experience

In 2007, Sports Illustrated graded the Carolina Panthers as having the 10th highest "NFL Fan Value Experience", noting the fan atmosphere and tailgating styles at the stadium.

2007: Losing Season

In 2007, the Carolina Panthers finished with a 7-9 record after losing quarterback Jake Delhomme early in the season due to an elbow injury.

2008: Jonathan Stewart joins Panthers

In 2008, Jonathan Stewart joined the Carolina Panthers and later became the team's career rushing leader.

2008: Playoff Appearance

In 2008, the Carolina Panthers made a playoff appearance.

2008: NFC South Title

In 2008, the Carolina Panthers rebounded with a 12-4 regular season record, winning the NFC South and securing a first-round bye, but were eliminated in the divisional round of the playoffs, losing to the Arizona Cardinals.

2009: Delhomme's Struggles

In 2009, Jake Delhomme struggled with interceptions before breaking a finger, and Matt Moore led the Carolina Panthers to a 4-1 finish for an 8-8 record.

2009: Richardson brothers step down

In 2009, Mark and Jon Richardson stepped down from their positions, Mark as team president and Jon as president of Bank of America Stadium.

2009: Melee in Panthers-Buccaneers Game

In 2009, an illegal hit on Tampa Bay punt returner Clifton Smith sparked a brief melee between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

2010: End of John Fox's coaching

In 2010, John Fox's tenure as head coach of the Carolina Panthers ended.

2010: John Kasay leaves Panthers

In 2010, John Kasay's tenure with the Carolina Panthers ended.

2010: League-Worst Record

In 2010, after releasing Jake Delhomme, the Carolina Panthers finished with a league-worst 2-14 record, and John Fox's contract expired.

2010: Equipment Grants to High School Football Teams

Since 2010, Carolina Panthers Charities and Fisher Athletic have provided six equipment grants to high school football teams in the Carolinas each year.

2011: Cam Newton joins Panthers

In 2011, Cam Newton joined the Carolina Panthers and later became the team's career passing leader.

2011: Ron Rivera becomes head coach

In 2011, Ron Rivera became the head coach of the Carolina Panthers.

2011: Drafting Cam Newton

In 2011, the Carolina Panthers hired Ron Rivera as head coach and drafted Cam Newton, who won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award and set multiple NFL rookie records, as well as the NFL record for most rushing touchdowns from a quarterback (14) in a single season.

July 30, 2012: "Carolina Panthers Day" Declared

On July 30, 2012, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley declared "Carolina Panthers Day" in her state.

2012: "Keep Pounding" Chant Introduced

During the 2012 season, the "keep pounding" chant was introduced before the opening kickoff of each home game.

2012: "Keep Pounding" Added to Collar

In 2012, after Nike became the NFL's jersey supplier, the Carolina Panthers' collar was altered to honor former player and coach Sam Mills by featuring the phrase "Keep Pounding".

2012: Firing of Marty Hurney

In 2012, after a poor start, the Carolina Panthers fired general manager Marty Hurney but finished the season strong, resulting in a 7-9 record and saving Ron Rivera's job. They also drafted Luke Kuechly.

2012: Panthers Logo and Logotype Change

In 2012, the Carolina Panthers changed their logo and logotype, marking the first such change in team history. The changes were designed to give the logo an "aggressive, contemporary look" with more pronounced features.

2012: Black Jerseys with Black Pants

In 2012, the Carolina Panthers paired their black jerseys with new black pants creating an all-black uniform, with blue socks and silver helmets.

2012: Missed playoffs

In 2016, the Panthers regressed on their 15–1 record from 2015, posting a 6–10 record and a last-place finish in the NFC South, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2012

2012: Introduction of the Keep Pounding Drum

Starting with the 2012 season, the Panthers introduced the Keep Pounding Drum, inspired by Sam Mills' motivational speech. Before each home game, an honorary drummer hits the drum four times.

July 2013: All-Black Uniforms Win "Greatest Uniform in NFL History"

In July 2013, the Carolina Panthers' all-black uniforms won the "Greatest Uniform in NFL History" contest, a fan-voted contest run by NFL.com. Also in July 2013, the team's equipment manager, Jackie Miles, said the Panthers intended to use the all-black uniform more in the future.

2013: Steve Smith leaves Panthers

In 2013, Steve Smith's tenure with the Carolina Panthers ended.

2013: WCCB loses Fox affiliation to WJZY

In 2013, WCCB lost the Fox affiliation to WJZY, but retained its role as the Panthers' television partner.

2013: NFC South Title

In 2013, the Carolina Panthers made a playoff appearance, the first of three consecutive NFC South titles, but they lost in the divisional round to the San Francisco 49ers.

2014: NFC South Championship Despite Losing Record

In 2014, despite a losing record of 7-8-1, the Carolina Panthers secured their second consecutive NFC South championship and a playoff berth, eventually losing to the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional playoffs after defeating the Arizona Cardinals in the Wild Card round.

2014: Divisional Round Loss

In 2014, the Carolina Panthers lost in the divisional round to the Seattle Seahawks.

2014: NFC South championship

In 2014, the Carolina Panthers won the NFC South championship.

2015: #OneCarolina Used to Support Panthers

During the 2015 NFC Championship and Super Bowl, the hashtag #OneCarolina was used by college and professional sports teams from North Carolina and South Carolina to show unified support for the Carolina Panthers.

2015: All-Blue Uniform Debut

During the Carolina Panthers' 2015 Thanksgiving Day game against the Dallas Cowboys, they debuted an all-blue uniform as part of Nike's "Color Rush" series.

2015: Super Bowl Appearance

In 2015, the Carolina Panthers returned to the Super Bowl but lost to the Denver Broncos.

2015: Near-Perfect Season and Super Bowl 50 Appearance

In 2015, the Carolina Panthers started the season 14-0 and finished 15-1, had the league's top-scoring offense, and Cam Newton was named NFL MVP. They also secured their third consecutive NFC South championship and defeated the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals in the playoffs to advance to Super Bowl 50, where they lost to the Denver Broncos.

2015: Won NFC Championship Game and NFC South championship

In 2015, the Carolina Panthers won the NFC Championship Game and the NFC South championship.

2015: Panthers Last NFC South Title

In the 2025 season, the Panthers won the NFC South for the first time since 2015, with a record of 8-9, earning their first playoff appearance since 2017.

2016: Sam Mills Only Retired Jersey

As of 2016, Sam Mills is the only player to have had his jersey number (#51) retired by the Carolina Panthers.

2016: Regression and Missed Playoffs

In 2016, the Carolina Panthers regressed to a 6-10 record, missed the playoffs for the first time since 2012, and lost the division title to the Atlanta Falcons.

2017: Wild Card Round Loss

In 2017, the Carolina Panthers finished with an 11-5 record but lost to the New Orleans Saints in the Wild Card Round.

2017: Danny Morrison resigns

In early 2017, Danny Morrison resigned as president of the Carolina Panthers.

2017: Saints defeat Panthers in Wild Card Round

In the 2017-18 postseason, the New Orleans Saints defeated the Carolina Panthers 31-26 in the Wild Card Round, their lone postseason meeting.

2017: Panthers Last Playoff Appearance

In the 2025 season, the Panthers won the NFC South for the first time since 2015, with a record of 8-9, earning their first playoff appearance since 2017.

May 16, 2018: David Tepper Finalizes Purchase Agreement

On May 16, 2018, David Tepper finalized an agreement to purchase the Carolina Panthers for a record sale price of nearly $2.3 billion. Tepper was previously a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

May 22, 2018: David Tepper Approved as Owner

On May 22, 2018, league owners unanimously approved David Tepper's purchase of the Carolina Panthers from founder Jerry Richardson.

July 9, 2018: Panthers Sale Officially Closed

On July 9, 2018, the sale of the Carolina Panthers to David Tepper officially closed.

August 2018: Tom Glick hired as team president

In August 2018, Tom Glick was hired as the team president for the Carolina Panthers.

2018: Jonathan Stewart leaves Panthers

In 2018, Jonathan Stewart's tenure with the Carolina Panthers ended.

2018: Frequent Mixing and Matching of Uniforms

Since 2018, the Carolina Panthers have frequently mixed and matched their uniforms; during the 2024 season alone, the team wore 14 different combinations on the field.

June 5, 2019: New Practice Facility Announced

On June 5, 2019, the Carolina Panthers formally announced their plan for a new $1 billion team headquarters and training facility in Rock Hill, South Carolina, nicknamed "The Rock".

July 2019: Groundbreaking for New Practice Facility

In July 2019, groundbreaking took place for the Carolina Panthers' new practice facility in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

December 3, 2019: Ron Rivera Fired, Perry Fewell Named Interim Head Coach

On December 3, 2019, Ron Rivera was fired as head coach of the Carolina Panthers, and Perry Fewell was named interim head coach.

2019: WSOC-TV becomes Panthers' television partner

In 2019, WSOC-TV in Charlotte became the Carolina Panthers' television partner, replacing WCCB.

2019: Panthers Finished Season 5-11

In 2019, the Carolina Panthers finished the season with a 5-11 record after losing their last eight games. Head coach Rivera was fired late in the season, and Cam Newton suffered a season-ending injury, resulting in Kyle Allen and Will Grier playing at quarterback.

2019: New Uniforms Unveiled

In 2019, the Carolina Panthers unveiled new uniforms by Nike. The new uniforms are Nike's "Vapor Untouchable" and have only minor differences compared to the originals.

January 7, 2020: Matt Rhule Hired as Head Coach

On January 7, 2020, the Carolina Panthers hired Baylor head coach Matt Rhule as their new head coach.

January 15, 2020: Luke Kuechly Announces Retirement

On January 15, 2020, Luke Kuechly announced his retirement from the league.

March 17, 2020: Teddy Bridgewater Signed to Contract

On March 17, 2020, the Carolina Panthers signed Teddy Bridgewater to a three-year, $63 million contract.

2020: Cam Newton leaves Panthers

In 2020, Cam Newton's tenure with the Carolina Panthers ended.

November 11, 2021: Cam Newton Signed to One-Year Deal

On November 11, 2021, the Carolina Panthers signed Cam Newton to a one-year deal after Sam Darnold was placed on injured reserve.

2021: Preseason television broadcasting team

As of 2021, the preseason television broadcasting team consists of Taylor Zarzour, Steve Smith, and Kristen Balboni.

March 2022: Carolina Topcats gain first transgender member

In March 2022, Justine Lindsay joined the Carolina Topcats, making them the first NFL cheerleading team to have a transgender member.

April 19, 2022: Agreement with Rock Hill Terminated

On April 19, 2022, the agreement with Rock Hill for the new practice facility was terminated, with owner David Tepper filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

October 10, 2022: Matt Rhule Fired as Head Coach

On October 10, 2022, Matt Rhule was fired as head coach after the Panthers started the season with a 1-4 record. Steve Wilks was named interim head coach.

2022: Secondary Black Helmets Unveiled

In 2022, the Carolina Panthers unveiled secondary black helmets, which featured no white elements on the team logo.

January 26, 2023: Frank Reich Hired as Head Coach

On January 26, 2023, Frank Reich, former Indianapolis Colts head coach, was hired as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers.

November 27, 2023: Frank Reich Fired as Head Coach

On November 27, 2023, Frank Reich was fired after a 1-10 start. Chris Tabor coached the remainder of the season.

2023: Team Value

In 2023, Forbes estimated the Carolina Panthers' value at $4.1 billion.

2023: Completion Expected for New Practice Facility

In July 2019, groundbreaking took place for the Carolina Panthers' new practice facility in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and it was expected to be completed by summer 2023, but it didn't happen.

January 25, 2024: Dave Canales Hired as Head Coach

On January 25, 2024, Dave Canales, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator, was hired as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers.

2024: Panthers Traded 2024 First-Round Pick

In 2023, prior to the draft, the Panthers traded their 2024 first-round pick, among other considerations, to the Chicago Bears to move up to the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

2024: The team wore 14 different uniform combinations on the field.

Since 2018, the Carolina Panthers have frequently mixed and matched their uniforms; during the 2024 season alone, the team wore 14 different combinations on the field.

2024: Training Camp Moved to Charlotte

The Carolina Panthers moved their annual training camp to Charlotte in 2024, ending the tradition of hosting it at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, since 1995.

2025: Falcons Lead All-Time Series

As of the 2025 season, the Atlanta Falcons lead the all-time series against the Carolina Panthers with a record of 37-25.

2025: Saints lead all-time series against Panthers

As of the 2025 season, the New Orleans Saints lead the all-time series against the Carolina Panthers 34-29.

2025: Panthers Traded 2025 Second-Round Pick

In 2023, prior to the draft, the Panthers traded their 2025 second-round pick, among other considerations, to the Chicago Bears to move up to the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

2025: Playoffs appearance and NFC South championship

In 2025, the Carolina Panthers qualified for the playoffs and won the NFC South championship.

2025: Panthers Won NFC South

In the 2025 season, the Panthers won the NFC South for the first time since 2015, with a record of 8-9, earning their first playoff appearance since 2017.