Top 10 Greatest Carolina Panthers of All Time: A Legacy of Excellence
As the Carolina Panthers enter a new era, it’s time to reflect on the greatest players who have shaped the team’s history and set the foundation for the 2023 Panthers.
1. Julius Peppers
A North Carolina native, Peppers made an immediate impact as a rookie in 2002, recording 12 sacks and winning Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY). With his imposing 6’7″, 295-pound frame, he went on to record 97 sacks in his 10 years with the Panthers, earning 5 Pro Bowl selections and 2 First-Team All-Pro honors. Peppers’ longevity and dominance, including a return to Carolina at age 37, cemented him as the Panthers’ all-time greatest player.
2. Steve Smith
Despite being just 5’9″, Smith became a dominant force, leading the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns in 2005. Over 13 seasons with the Panthers, Smith racked up 12,197 receiving yards and 67 touchdowns, earning 5 Pro Bowl selections and 2 First-Team All-Pro nods. His passion and tenacity made him a beloved figure in Carolina.
3. Cam Newton
The first overall pick in 2011, Newton revolutionized the Panthers’ offense with his combination of arm strength and running ability. He won MVP in 2015 after leading the Panthers to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl appearance. With 186 passing touchdowns and 63 rushing touchdowns, Newton remains the only Panther to win the league’s MVP award.
4. Luke Kuechly
Kuechly was the heart of the Panthers’ defense from 2012 to 2019, earning 7 Pro Bowl selections and 5 First-Team All-Pro honors. Known for his high football IQ and relentless pursuit, Kuechly amassed 1,092 total tackles in just eight seasons. He was also named Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.
5. Sam Mills
A defensive leader in the Panthers’ inaugural season, Mills’ legacy extends beyond the field. He coined the Panthers’ iconic “Keep Pounding” mantra during their 2003 playoff run while battling cancer, a fight he would ultimately lose in 2005. Mills’ courage and dedication continue to inspire the franchise, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
6. Thomas Davis
Overcoming three ACL tears early in his career, Davis became a resilient force for the Panthers’ defense. Alongside Kuechly, he formed one of the best linebacker duos in the NFL, earning 3 Pro Bowl selections and a First-Team All-Pro honor. Davis finished his Panthers career with 1,098 total tackles.
7. Jake Delhomme
Delhomme led the Panthers to their first Super Bowl appearance in 2003, quickly becoming a fan favorite. Although he never posted jaw-dropping stats, his leadership and determination earned him a Pro Bowl selection in 2005. Delhomme holds a 53-37 record as the Panthers’ starting quarterback.
8. Greg Olsen
Acquired from the Bears in 2011, Olsen became Newton’s go-to target, posting three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2014-16. The reliable tight end finished his Panthers career with 6,463 receiving yards and 39 touchdowns, earning 3 Pro Bowl nods.
9. Jordan Gross
A model of consistency, Gross anchored the Panthers’ offensive line for 11 seasons, starting 167 games, the most in franchise history. He earned 3 Pro Bowl selections and was inducted into the Panthers’ Hall of Honor in 2019.
10. Jon Beason
A defensive leader for the Panthers during his seven-year career, Beason recorded over 120 tackles in four consecutive seasons. His career was unfortunately cut short by injuries, but he remains one of Carolina’s greatest defensive players, earning 3 Pro Bowl selections and a First-Team All-Pro honor in 2008.
Source: https://lastwordonsports.com/nfl/2023/07/10/top-10-greatest-carolina-panthers-of-all-time/