Carolina Panthers

On October 26, 1993, the Carolina Panthers were awarded an NFL expansion franchise after six years of hopeful anticipation. Fireworks exploded over downtown Charlotte as jubilant fans gathered to celebrate the news. Jerry Richardson, the former Baltimore Colts wide receiver turned businessman, led the Carolinas' bid and expressed his excitement for the 10 million people in the Carolinas.

The Carolina Panthers made their first playoff appearance on December 24, 1995, in their inaugural season.

The Panthers reached an agreement with free agent tackle Todd Steussie, finalizing an offseason overhaul of the offensive line. This overhaul also included the signings of guard Kevin Donnalley from the Miami Dolphins and center Jeff Mitchell from the Baltimore Ravens. Steussie played a key role in the offensive line, contributing to the team's advancement to Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2003.

Wide receiver Steve Smith, the Panthers third-round choice in the 2001 NFL Draft, signs his rookie contract. He would go on to have a successful career with the Panthers, becoming the team's all-time leader in catches, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.

The 2003 season was marked by the Carolina Panthers' inspiring performance, overcoming adversity and tragedy to achieve an 11–5 record, win the NFC South Division title, and secure a playoff berth.

The Carolina Panthers sign Jake Delhomme as a free agent, a move that would significantly impact the team's quarterback position. Delhomme's signing marked a notable moment in the Panthers' history.

The Carolina Panthers signed unrestricted free agent linebacker Greg Favors from the Buffalo Bills. Favors played a crucial role in the team's defense, particularly after starting linebacker Mark Fields was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease during training camp.

Jake Delhomme, previously a backup for the New Orleans Saints, took over as the starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers in Week 2 of the 2003 season. He went on to compile a 53-37 record as the starter in seven seasons and set a team record with 21 game-winning drives. Delhomme led the Panthers to Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2003, NFC Championship in 2005, and NFC South title in 2008. He was later inducted into the team's Hall of Honor in 2019.

On February 1, 2004, the Carolina Panthers lost to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII, which is remembered as one of the most thrilling Super Bowls in history.

Sam Mills, the linebackers coach, receives the George S. Halas Award from the Pro Football Writers of America. Despite battling cancer of the small intestine, Mills continued to coach the linebackers as the Panthers made it to the Super Bowl. The award recognizes his dedication and performance despite personal difficulties.

Quarterback Jake Delhomme signs a five-year contract extension with the Carolina Panthers after leading the team to the NFC South title and a strong performance in the playoffs in 2003.

Carolina Panthers secure elite free agents, guard Mike Wahle from the Green Bay Packers and cornerback Ken Lucas from the Seattle Seahawks. Wahle earns Pro Bowl honors in 2005, contributing to the Panthers' NFC Championship run, while Lucas makes significant defensive impact with six interceptions.

On April 18, 2005, Panthers legend Sam Mills passed away at the age of 45 after battling intestinal cancer. Mills, who played for the Panthers and later became the linebackers coach, was an inspiration for the team's 'Keep Pounding' mantra.

On April 23, 2005, the Panthers selected Thomas Davis from Georgia in the first round of the NFL Draft. Davis overcame multiple knee injuries and had a successful career with the Panthers, achieving numerous accolades.

The Panthers got revenge against the two-time defending champion New England Patriots for the loss in Super Bowl XXXVIII by winning the rematch with a final score of 27–17.

Muhsin Muhammad, a wide receiver, ends his 14-year career in the NFL. He played for the Carolina Panthers for nine years, then the Chicago Bears for three years, and returned to the Panthers for his final two seasons. Muhammad achieved impressive records in catches, receiving yards, touchdowns, and 100-yard receiving games during his career.

Kicker John Kasay, who played 16 of his 21 NFL seasons with the Panthers, retired as a Panther by signing a one-day contract. He holds multiple records in team history including games played, points scored, extra points, extra point attempts, field goals, and field goal attempts.

Domenik Hixon made a crucial 14-yard touchdown reception with 23 seconds remaining, leading the Panthers to a 17-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. This secured the Panthers' first playoff appearance since 2008.

Following the season, Rivera won Coach of the Year, becoming the second Panthers coach to win the award.

The Carolina Panthers played in Super Bowl 50 on February 7, 2015, but unfortunately lost to the Denver Broncos.

The Panthers signed tight end Greg Olsen to a three-year contract extension, ensuring his stay with the team through 2018. Olsen had an impressive 2014 season, making his first Pro Bowl and setting team records for a tight end with 84 catches and 1,008 receiving yards. He continued to excel, breaking his own record for receiving yards by a tight end with 1,104 in 2015.

The Panthers signed cornerback Charles 'Peanut' Tillman from the Chicago Bears, known for his 'peanut punch' technique. Tillman started 12 games, posting 58 tackles, two interceptions, nine passes defensed, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries before suffering a torn ACL in the 2015 finale against Tampa Bay.

Braylon Beam, a 6-year old boy battling brain cancer, receives a heartwarming surprise from head coach Ron Rivera and quarterback Cam Newton during an appearance on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show.' This touching gesture leads to Beam becoming the 'Keep Pounding' drummer at a 2015 home game and receiving a special Panthers gift basket from Newton.

Linebacker Thomas Davis signs a two-year contract extension with the Carolina Panthers, showcasing remarkable resilience after overcoming multiple anterior cruciate ligament surgeries and becoming one of the top outside linebackers in the NFL.

The Carolina Panthers will visit the Denver Broncos to kick off the season in a rematch of Super Bowl 50. This marks the first time in NFL history that the first game of the season features the teams that played in the Super Bowl the previous season.

After allegations of workplace misconduct, including sexual harassment and racial allegations, Panthers owner Jerry Richardson announced he was putting the team up for sale at the end of the season.

The Carolina Panthers bring Julius Peppers back to the team, marking his return to the organization. This move holds significance for the Panthers and their fans.

On November 5, 2017, Cam Newton led a remarkable 4th quarter comeback for the Carolina Panthers, showcasing his leadership and skill.

The Panthers' 2017 season came to an end as they lost to the Saints in the wild-card round 31–26.

Following the internal investigation and allegations, Panthers owner Jerry Richardson announced he was giving up control of the team to Panthers executive Tina Becker.

On May 16, 2018, David Tepper, a former minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, finalized an agreement to purchase the Panthers for nearly $2.3 billion, setting a record for the sale price. This marked a significant change in the ownership of the team.

NFL owners vote unanimously to approve David Tepper as the new owner of the Panthers at league meetings at The Whitley Hotel in Atlanta. Tepper emphasizes his focus on winning and making the community better in his first press conference.

Billionaire and Steelers minority owner David Tepper officially became the second owner in Carolina Panthers history on July 9, 2018.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster ceremoniously signs the Professional Sports Team Incentive Act of 2019, offering a $115 million tax break to the Panthers for relocating their headquarters to South Carolina. The signing took place at a pep rally in Rock Hill, South Carolina, with owner David Tepper expressing enthusiasm for the move.

On January 7, 2020, the Panthers hired Baylor head coach Matt Rhule as head coach, signaling a new era for the team's coaching staff.

On March 24, 2020, the Carolina Panthers released their 2011 1st overall pick and 2015 MVP quarterback Cam Newton, marking a significant change in the team's roster.

The player was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on December 27, 2021.

Matt Rhule was fired as head coach of the Panthers after the team started the season with a 1–4 record.

Former Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich was hired as the head coach of the Panthers.

Frank Reich was fired after a 1–10 start as the Panthers' head coach.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales was hired as the head coach of the Panthers.