New England showed a lot of character against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. The Patriots had to fight hard to beat the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16, but they did it in great fashion behind remarkable performances from second-year quarterback Drake Maye (31 of 33 for 380 yards and two touchdowns), running back Rhamondre Stevenson (eight carries for 51 yards and one touchdown) and wide receiver Stefon Diggs (nine receptions for 138 yards).

The Patriots bounced back after losing 35-31 to the Buffalo Bills in Week 15, and their performance turned a lot of heads.

Cam Newton reveals he’s a believer in the Patriots

During Monday’s edition of ESPN’s “First Take,” Newton said he is starting to believe in the Patriots, who hold a 12-3 record and sit atop the AFC East standings.

“I’m more higher on the New England Patriots,” Newton said. “I can hear the comments now. ‘Well, keep that same energy about the fool’s gold. Wow, this about Drake Maye.’ Well, we needed to see.”

“They’re taking turns better than any teams making plays in football,” Newton declared. “Yes, Drake Maye is the orchestrator. But when you give guys opportunities … these things are something that starts to give even me, a known hater to some people’s thought process. Like, yo, I’m believing in the New England Patriots.”

Newton added that the Patriots are working better as a collective, and they are playing flawless football. They can win the division and clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC in the coming weeks. They will close out the season with duels against the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, respectively.

Drake Maye has been the catalyst of the Patriots’ turnaround after a 4-13 2024 campaign. The second-year quarterback has earned MVP buzz during the first 11 weeks of the season, but not everybody is sold on his team’s chances to compete in the playoffs.

On Friday, Cam Newton, who also played for the Patriots, cast doubt on the team’s real strength. Newton admitted they were playing well, but they hadn’t faced enough strong teams to have people fired up.

“The thing that I have a problem with,” Newton said on “First Take.” “Is if you keep playing sorry scrubs, then you’re going to have this falsetto of a mentality going into the playoffs, and it has one-and-done written all over it.”

Drake Maye responds to Cam Newton

On Monday, Maye was asked about Newton’s remarks. He didn’t engage in any exchange with the former NFL MVP and simply said the comments were made for entertainment.

“Oh no, I don’t even know what show he’s on,” Maye explained. “I think they get paid to make remarks and make certain comments. So, I just worry about what people in our organization think, and worry about we think and what my teammates think. People are going to have different opinions. I’m just going out there on Sunday and worrying about ourselves.”

The Patriots will face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12. Joe Flacco and Co. can make things difficult for the Patriots, but they are set to extend their winning streak to nine games.

“It has fool’s gold written all over them,” Newton said of the Patriots on ESPN’s “First Take.” “The thing I have a problem with is if you keep playing sorry scrubs, then you’re going to have this falsetto of a mentality going into the playoffs and it has one-and-done written all over it.”

The Patriots beat the New York Jets 27-14 in Week 11 to become the first team with nine wins this campaign. Newton, however, didn’t find it that impressive, given the strength of their schedule.

Mike Vrabel doesn’t take issue with Cam Newton’s words

During a Monday appearance on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show,” Vrabel reacted to Newton’s comments. The former Tennessee Titans coach said his team was focused on getting better regardless of the external noise.

“Nothing’s weird to me, because people can come on the radio or, you know what I mean?” Vrabel said. “It’s just (saying) things that get their attention. We are OK with that. I promise you, we were OK with it. Anything that anybody says, we’re going to come to work. We’re going to focus on us. We’re going to try to improve, and we’re going to focus on the Bengals and going on the road, trying to get our 10th win. That’s all we’re going to focus on.”

New England will visit Paycor Stadium to clash with the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. That won’t be an easy matchup for the Pats’ defense, but they can punish the Bengals’ weak defense to secure the 10th win of the campaign.

It took four quarters for the Bills to find the end zone. They scored two touchdowns that didn’t prevent a 30-13 loss against a team that entered the game as the heavy underdog.

Tua Tagovailoa was effective, going 15 of 21 for 173 yards and two touchdowns against two interceptions. He connected with Jaylen Waddle and Malik Washington on his touchdowns, while running back De’Von Achane added two scores and 174 yards on 22 rushes.

Josh Allen failed to make an impact and give rhythm to the offense, which raised many eyebrows around the league.

Cam Newton criticizes Josh Allen over Week 10 performance

Former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton blamed Allen for the Bills’ upset loss. During his Monday appearance on ESPN’s “First Take,” the former NFL MVP put Allen under the spotlight.

“I’m going with Joshua Allen, and it’s not even close,” Newton said. “I think last year’s success recipe is not this year’s success recipe. Last year, we were all questioning Brandon Bean’s decision to not give Josh a number one receiver with the removal of Stefon Diggs. Where’s Keon Coleman? Where are these guys that are in the position to make plays? … When you don’t have the same production at the receiver position, and this year now puts the onus on Josh Allen, and you add in turnovers, and you add in bad decision making, that’s how you get to a point now where it’s extremely alarming.”

The Bills have suffered surprising losses this season, including a 24-14 defeat against the Atlanta Falcons and a 23-20 loss to the Patriots at home. Allen and Co. have work to do to heat up for the rest of the 2025 regular season.

The Buffalo Bills put on a clinic off their bye against the Carolina Panthers. They were absolutely dominant and once again, quarterback Josh Allen was stellar. Scoring twice with his legs and that made him surpass Panthers’ legend Cam Newton.

Allen also threw for one tuddie to Khalil Shakir. By doing so, he passed Newton for the most games with both a passing and rushing touchdown. It’s just poetic that Allen did it in the stadium where Newton won MVP and called home during most of his career.

That’s how the NFL works. Buffalo ended up winning 40-9 in what was a much needed win to get back on track after a two-game skid. Not only did it win, but it was a very strong performance against a team that was unbeaten at home and riding a three-game winning streak.

Allen wasn’t the only one who dominated the Panthers

Running back James Cook was an absolute nightmare to deal with in this game. On 19 carries, Cook rushed for 216 yards and two touchdowns. Cook set the tempo of the game from the start and made the Panthers shake every time he carried the ball.

James Cook now has 753 rushing yards and seven touchdowns this NFL season, solidifying himself as one of the best backs in the league. Cook led the league in rushing touchdowns last season and is on pace to compete for that milestone once again. He is the guy that helps Josh Allen move the chains.

Buffalo needed a win to stay in the AFC East race

It was a massive Sunday for the AFC East as a whole since all four teams won and scored 32+ points. However, the Jets just got their first win of the season and the Dolphins are still under .500. It’s the Patriots and the Bills who are running for the divisional title.

As of now, the Patriots are 6-2 and the Bills 5-2. However, the Patriots haven’t had their bye week but also possess the tiebreak over the Bills. Hence, if the Bills want to win their division, they must stay flawless and hope for the Patriots to slip in the upcoming games.

Maye has gone 152 of 202 for 1,744 yards and 12 touchdowns against two interceptions. He has shown off his mobility with 44 carries for 200 yards and two touchdowns in seven games, establishing himself as one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the league.

While he’s putting up big numbers and taking the team to lead a division that includes Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, not everybody is high on Maye.

Cam Newton rejects the notion of Drake Maye being a top 5 QB in the NFL

During Monday’s episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” former Patriots offensive guard Damien Woody said Maye is a top-five quarterback in the NFL this season. Former Carolina Panthers star Cam Newton rejected that idea.

“Top five in the NFL? All right, Damien, you’re tripping. Is he playing good football? Yes, he definitely is. But top five in the NFL?” Newton asked. “Nothing against Drake Maye, because I’m a fan. If I’ve never been a fan of any young quarterback, he’s my favorite. But I don’t think he’s reached a limit now where you need to consider him a top five.”

It might be premature to rank Maye so high, but he’s definitely earning his stripes this season. The Patriots won only four games last season and they already passed that number this campaign. Maye has shown signs of his brilliance and Patriots fans are excited about the future.

The injury to Hill has sent ripples through the Dolphins’ roster, as he was a crucial component in Miami’s pursuit of their season objectives. Hill’s presence was integral to head coach Mike McDaniel’s strategic game plan, and his absence necessitates adjustments.

As the Dolphins prepare to face the Carolina Panthers in Week 5, Newton shared his thoughts on the potential new responsibilities for the Dolphins’ quarterback, not only for this matchup but for the rest of the regular season.

“When you have a [superstar WR1], it comes with the pressure that nobody will ever admit to… now you can focus on delivering the ball where the ball needs to go rather than feeling the pressure to get this guy the ball,“ Newton commented, highlighting the opportunity for Tagovailoa to distribute the ball more diversely amidst the upcoming challenges.

Tagovailoa remains agentless ahead of Panthers’ game

Following the buzz created by Newton’s remarks regarding his new role, Tagovailoa has made a bold decision heading into the regular season: he continues to operate without an agent. A few months back, Tagovailoa parted ways with his former representative, Ryan Williams, and has since expressed no desire to engage a new one.

Tagovailoa joins a notable list of NFL players navigating the league without the assistance of a certified agent. Among this group are Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson and Chicago’s Caleb Williams, who have similarly opted to manage their careers independently this season.

Amidst this backdrop, the Dolphins are set to face the Panthers in Week 5, a pivotal matchup with both teams eager to improve their disappointing 1-3 records. This showdown could be a turning point that propels the victor higher in the standings, as both franchises strive to gain momentum and find their footing in the competitive landscape of the regular season.

One of the most vocal critics of the former Alabama standout has been none other than Cam Newton — the former league MVP and longtime Panthers quarterback, who now serves as a TV analyst. Newton didn’t hold back, stating that Tua should, at the very least, be playing up to the level of his paycheck.

The Dolphins’ on-field leader didn’t take long to respond — and he didn’t hold back. Addressing the media in a press conference, Tua Tagovailoa delivered a strong and direct message in response to his former colleague’s remarks.

“I want to see anybody on the streets come play QB. Cam Newton is doing his thing in media but It’s easier to be able to hold a clicker and talk about it,” the talented QB said.

Mike McDaniel’s squad will have a shot at redemption next Monday night, as they host the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium in a pivotal divisional clash — a game that could prove crucial for the trajectory of both franchises this season.

Harsh words from Cam Newton

Just days ago, during a segment on ESPN’s First Take, Cam Newton didn’t mince words when discussing Tua Tagovailoa. The former NFL MVP criticized the Dolphins quarterback, stating that as one of the highest-paid players in the league, Tua should be performing at a level that reflects that paycheck.

“Tua Tagovailoa’s making more than Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, Matthew Stafford, Jayden Daniels,” said Newton.

“In this case, it should be more money, more expectations… What you’re being paid, what you’re asked to do, what you have the capability of, from one quarterback to the other, I look at his situation and I’m like, ‘Bro, come on, dog.’ Especially when you got a Ferrari and a Lamborghini and other amenities that other quarterbacks wish they had.”

Redemption time in Miami

Securing a first win has become imperative for the Dolphins. Over the next five weeks, Miami will have the opportunity to either get their season back on track — or begin facing the reality of what comes next.

• vs New York Jets, September 29
• @ Carolina Panthers, October 5
• vs Los Angeles Chargers, October 12
• @ Cleveland Browns, October 19
• @ Atlanta Falcons, October 26

In two games, McCarthy has gone 24 of 41 for 301 yards and two touchdowns against three interceptions and nine sacks. He has carried the ball seven times for 50 yards and one touchdown.

Newton and fellow former NFL QB Dan Orlovsky engaged in a heated exchange during Monday’s edition of ESPN’s “First Take.” While discussing how far the Dallas Cowboys could go this season, Orlovsky argued that the Cowboys aren’t a playoff team.

Cam Newton says JJ McCarthy can’t maximize the Vikings’ chances to win

After saying the Cowboys weren’t better than the Green Bay Packers or San Francisco 49ers, Newton was asked if Dallas was better than Minnesota. He took the opportunity to air his opinion on McCarthy’s level.

“No, they won’t, not with J.J. McCarthy,” Newton said after Orlovsky said the Vikings would beat the Cowboys by 17 points. “Bro, are you serious? Did you watch? You know this caveat in the NFL, it’s not about who’s most talented. It’s about who gets hot at the right time.”

McCarthy was the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He entered the league with high expectations, fresh off winning the national championship with Michigan. After suffering a season-ending injury, McCarthy returned to the field in 2025. He’s off to a rocky start, but the Vikings still have hope in the young quarterback.

The Carolina Panthers have seen a mix of grit, talent, and unforgettable moments since their NFL debut in 1995. Behind every victory and highlight reel are players whose impact went far beyond the stat sheet.

From electrifying plays to leadership in the locker room, these athletes have defined eras of Panthers football. Some became icons almost overnight, while others earned their place through consistency and resilience season after season.

Across the franchise’s history, 25 players stand out for their ability to shape the team’s identity, leaving legacies of excellence, leadership and memorable contributions both on and off the field.

Cam Newton

From the moment he arrived in Carolina as the No. 1 overall pick in 2011, Cam Newton brought a multisensory revolution: strength, speed, flair, and pure entertainment. He instantly became the face of the franchise, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and, in 2015, the league MVP while leading the Panthers to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl 50 appearance.

His statistical footprint is massive: he owns the all-time record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (75) and rewrote history as a rookie with over 4,000 passing yards and unprecedented dual-threat production. But he was never just a quarterback; he was a cultural icon. His charisma, celebrations, and visibility transcended the sport—even through media controversies.

Steve Smith Sr.

“Dynamic,” “relentless,” “a small tank”: Steve Smith Sr. played as if every ball was his last chance. In 2003, he became the heartbeat of Carolina’s first great run, recording 1,110 receiving yards and delivering a legendary walk-off touchdown in double overtime against the Rams.

That same postseason, he left his mark on the biggest stage—scoring a touchdown in Super Bowl XXXVIII and tormenting defenders with his signature fire and fight. He wasn’t just a wideout; he was a spark plug who turned the Panthers’ offense into a battlefield, and his passion made him one of the most feared receivers of his era.

Julius Peppers

When Julius Peppers’ name is mentioned, it echoes like thunder. Drafted second overall in 2002, he became the defensive face of the Panthers almost immediately. He retired as Carolina’s all-time sacks leader (97) and one of the most disruptive defensive ends in NFL history.

His career totals—159.5 sacks (4th all-time), 52 forced fumbles (2nd), 11 interceptions, and the only player with 100 sacks and 10 picks—cemented his uniqueness. A Hall of Famer in 2024, he is immortalized both in Canton and in the Panthers’ Hall of Honor. With his size, speed, and instincts, he set the gold standard for generations of defenders to come.

Luke Kuechly

Luke Kuechly was the defensive mind of Carolina, a general in cleats. Drafted ninth overall in 2012, he exploded out of the gate—winning Defensive Rookie of the Year, then becoming the youngest player ever to earn Defensive Player of the Year the following season.

In just eight seasons, he piled up 1,092 tackles, 18 interceptions (most by a linebacker in that span), seven Pro Bowl nods, and five first-team All-Pro selections. A quiet leader but fierce competitor, he elevated everyone around him. His retirement in 2020 shocked the NFL, but his quick return to Carolina as a pro scout showed his devotion to shaping the franchise’s future.

Thomas Davis Sr.

Thomas Davis embodied resilience. His career was scarred by brutal injuries, yet he refused to let setbacks define him. Time after time, he came back stronger, ultimately becoming one of the franchise’s emotional anchors.

Beyond his tackles and leadership, he was a symbol of character. In 2014, he was honored as the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year, a recognition that captured both his on-field impact and his community work. In every sense, he represented the toughness and heart of Panthers football.

Sam Mills

Sam Mills is Carolina’s eternal compass. Standing just 5-9, he defied every doubt to become a giant of the game. A five-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro, and posthumous Pro Football Hall of Famer (2022), his numbers—1,300 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 11 interceptions—tell only part of the story.

His true legacy is in two words: “Keep Pounding.” First spoken as he fought cancer while inspiring his team on their Super Bowl XXXVIII run, the phrase became Carolina’s heartbeat. His No. 51 is retired, his statue stands outside Bank of America Stadium, and his spirit remains stitched into the Panthers’ identity.

Jake Delhomme

Jake Delhomme was a classic underdog who blossomed into a franchise cornerstone. Signing with Carolina as a relative unknown, he took the helm for seven seasons and steered the Panthers into three playoff appearances—including a dramatic Super Bowl XXXVIII run.

With 19,258 passing yards and 120 touchdowns, he’s second only to Cam Newton in franchise passing production, and he owns the club record for game-winning drives at 21—highlighting his clutch DNA.

In 2004, he peaked with a career-high 3,886 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, ranking fifth in the NFL that season. Long before Newton’s swagger, Delhomme was the calm hand guiding postseason expectations.

Ryan Kalil

In the trenches, Ryan Kalil was more than just a center—he was the quarterback of the line. Taken in the second round of the 2007 draft, he became a reliable anchor across 12 seasons in Carolina. He earned five Pro Bowl nods, helped raise the bar in leadership, and was even franchise-tagged in 2011—evidence of his value.

Over his career, he played in 155 games (152 starts), a testament to both his durability and consistency. A cerebral leader, he was part of the Packers front office for many high-pressure moments, including Super Bowl runs—making the line room feel covered under his watch.

Muhsin Muhammad

Muhsin “Moose” Muhammad was the arm-stretching wide receiver whose play soared through Carolina’s early years. Drafted in the second round in 1996, he quickly cemented himself as a go-to target. His career totals of 860 receptions for 11,438 yards and 62 touchdowns reflect both longevity and elite production.

In 2000, his 102 receptions tied the NFL lead. In Super Bowl XXXVIII, he caught a jaw-dropping 85-yard touchdown—the longest in that bowl’s history. His relentless reliability made him a constant in the Panthers’ passing attack.

Greg Olsen

Greg Olsen redefined the tight end position—cleaning up the line, stretching defenses, and delivering when it mattered most. After joining Carolina in 2011 via trade, he posted three straight 1,000-yard seasons, becoming the first TE in NFL history to do so.

Over nine seasons with the Panthers, he became the franchise’s all-time leader among tight ends in receptions and receiving yards, and finished third overall in both categories.

After retirement, he continued his impact—entering the FOX broadcast booth and even coaching middle school football in Charlotte alongside former teammates. He remains a cornerstone in the evolution of the tight end role in the modern Panthers offense.

Wesley Walls

Before Olsen, there was Wesley Walls—the towering tight end who became one of Carolina’s original pass-catching threats. During his nine seasons with the team, he logged 324 receptions, 3,902 receiving yards, and 44 touchdowns.

He was a five-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, and his 54 career touchdown receptions rank among the top for tight ends in league history. He personified the gritty reliability of early Panthers offenses—big-bodied, sure-handed, and always ready.

Christian McCaffrey

Christian McCaffrey didn’t just carve history—he vaulted over it. In six seasons with Carolina, he amassed 7,272 scrimmage yards and an astonishing 50 touchdowns. He was the rare triple-threat: explosive as a runner, elusive receiving, and explosive returner.

He also achieved the nearly-impossible in 2019: joining Roger Craig and Marshall Faulk as the only players in NFL history with 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season. Though injuries have since slowed him, his legacy lives on as one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in Panthers lore.

Jordan Gross

Jordan Gross was the stalwart on the edge who quietly held everything together. Selected 8th overall in the 2003 draft, he started all 167 games he played—making him the franchise’s career leader in starts and games as a lineman.

He made three Pro Bowls and earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2008. He protected the blindside when the Panthers made their Super Bowl run that first year—losing just three sacks all season. In the trenches, reliability is a virtue—and Gross was the gold standard.

John Kasay

John Kasay wasn’t flashy, but he was relentless—and clutch. A part of Carolina from almost the very beginning, he became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer during his 16 seasons donning the Panthers uniform.

In 1996, he made his only Pro Bowl as second-team All-Pro. With an 81.9 field goal percentage, career-long kick of 56 yards, and 1,970 points, he was dependable under pressure. And when the Panthers held a symbolic one-day contract retirement for him and Thomas Davis, it spoke volumes about his impact in the franchise’s soul.

Kevin Greene

Kevin Greene arrived in Carolina not merely as a veteran but as a statement. Signing in 1996, he instantly transformed the Panthers’ pass rush, leading the entire NFL in sacks (14) that year and earning NFC Linebacker of the Year honors from both NEA and the NFL Alumni.

Though his tenure in Carolina was brief, he left an indelible mark: his franchise-record 15 sacks in 1998 still stands. Across a 15-season Hall of Fame career, he tallied 160 sacks, ranking third on the NFL’s all-time list at his retirement.

Chris Gamble

Chris Gamble emerged quietly but with striking impact. Drafted in 2004, he became the Panthers’ first rookie defender to start every game, finishing with six interceptions and earning All-Rookie honors. He would go on to set the team’s franchise record with 27 career interceptions, retiring as the club’s premier ballhawk and a defensive cornerstone.

Mike Rucker

If toughness had a persona for the Panthers, it was Mike Rucker. Over nine dedicated seasons, he became a reliable force on the defensive front, amassing 55.5 sacks along with 279 solo tackles and seven fumble recoveries. A true hometown hero, he remains fondly recalled for his relentless pressure and grit in the trenches.

Kelvin Benjamin

At 6′5″ and fully built for the role, Kelvin Benjamin began his career in Carolina as a looming vertical threat. Drafted 28th overall in 2014, he tallied 209 catches, 3,021 yards, and 20 touchdowns—most of them voted as highlight moments in the Panthers’ aerial attack.

Though his career later took him elsewhere, his early dominance and connection with Cam Newton made him one of the most memorable wideouts in franchise history.

Reggie White

Even if it was only for a final year, Reggie White’s presence in Carolina was legendary. The Hall of Famer, known as the “Minister of Defense,” wore the Panthers uniform in 2000 for a storied farewell tour, capping a career that once ranked him at the top of the NFL sack charts (198). Even in that swan song, he brought gravitas and a legacy so exceptional it elevated the franchise’s history.

Ted Ginn Jr.

Ted Ginn Jr. defined explosiveness in blue and black. In a career spanning 14 seasons across six teams—including a key tenure in Carolina—he compiled 412 receptions, 5,742 yards, and 42 touchdowns while terrorizing return units with 2,624 punt return yards and over 9,500 kick return yards. His dual-threat versatility played a noticeable role in Carolina’s offensive and special teams schemes, especially during critical postseason runs.

Mike Minter

A defensive staple for Carolina throughout the late ’90s and early 2000s, Mike Minter symbolized toughness and durability. Spending his entire decade-long career with the Panthers, the safety was as reliable as they come, starting 141 of 148 games and anchoring the secondary during Carolina’s early playoff runs.

Known for his physical tackling and leadership, he was the heart of the defense during the Panthers’ first Super Bowl appearance in 2003. His presence on the field gave teammates confidence, while his loyalty to the franchise cemented him as one of the most respected figures in team history.

Dan Morgan

Dan Morgan’s career might have been limited by injuries, but at his peak, he was one of the fiercest linebackers to ever wear a Panthers uniform. Drafted 11th overall in 2001, he brought intensity and instinct to the heart of Carolina’s defense, quickly becoming a fan favorite.

His crowning moment came in Super Bowl XXXVIII, where he recorded a then-record 18 tackles against the New England Patriots. Though injuries shortened his playing days, his fire, resilience, and unforgettable performances keep his name alive among Panthers legends.

Greg Hardy

Few defensive ends played with the sheer explosiveness Greg Hardy displayed in his prime. Nicknamed the “Kraken,” he terrorized quarterbacks with his blend of speed and raw power, posting 15 sacks in 2013 and earning Pro Bowl honors.

While his tenure in Carolina ended in controversy, there’s no denying his impact on the field during his best years. At his peak, he was virtually unblockable, providing the Panthers with one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL.

Michael Oher

Michael Oher’s story had already reached Hollywood before he arrived in Carolina, but his contributions to the Panthers were vital. Signed in 2015, the veteran left tackle provided stability on the offensive line during the team’s magical 15–1 season and run to Super Bowl 50.

Protecting Cam Newton’s blind side, he revitalized his career in Carolina and reminded the football world of his resilience. Though his time with the Panthers was brief, his role in one of the franchise’s greatest seasons guarantees him a place in team lore.

Kerry Collins

As the first-ever draft pick in franchise history, Kerry Collins holds a unique place in Panthers history. The quarterback helped lead the fledgling team to the NFC Championship Game in just its second season (1996), a remarkable accomplishment for such a young franchise.

His tenure was short and sometimes tumultuous, but his role in establishing Carolina as a competitive force in the NFL cannot be overlooked. He laid the groundwork for the organization’s future, making him an undeniable part of the Panthers’ legacy.

Cam Newton is more than qualified to speak on the matter, having been the league’s MVP back in 2015 — and a Heisman Trophy winner himself in 2010 during his time with the Auburn Tigers.

His excitement to see Manning on the field was evident in recent comments made to the media, even suggesting that if he stays healthy, he could achieve great things alongside Steve Sarkisian’s team.

“When you look at a guy like Arch, it’s like, ‘Oh, Texas is back.’ You know what I’m saying?” Newton said during an appearance on Glory Daze with Johnny Manziel. “The hype is there for him to take it. I mean, barring any type of injury, I think he has everything. It’s already set from talent around him, to him being talented, to him having that last name.”

Sarkisian’s excitement about his new QB

Quinn Ewers’ departure has undeniably opened the door for Manning to take the reins of the Longhorns. Steve Sarkisian, someone who never doubted a second about his new starting QB’s talent, has shown immense enthusiasm about this new chapter.

“He’s always been, if not the hardest worker, one of the hardest workers on the team,” Sarkisian said to the press. “He’s always been a great teammate. He’s always been a guy that’s connected to his teammates in that locker room. Now more than ever going into year three, the bulk of our team is our first, second, and third year players and all those guys have been his guys.”

A far from easy debut

A new chapter begins for the Longhorns program as, starting at the end of the month, Steve Sarkisian’s squad embarks on their journey to reach the National Championship Game.

The debut? Far from easy. It will come against the defending champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes, on August 30th at noon ET.