Carolina Panthers Team History

On October 26, 1993, NFL owners unanimously selected Carolina as the 29th NFL franchise and the first expansion team since 1976. Fireworks exploded over uptown Charlotte as jubilant fans gathered to celebrate the news. "This is a dream come true for me and my partners and for the 10 million people in the Carolinas," said Carolina Panthers Owner/Founder Jerry Richardson, who became just the second former player to own an NFL team along with George Halas of the Chicago Bears.

Carolina Panthers Franchise Information

Franchise Granted: 1995
First Season: 1995
Franchise History:
    1995 - Present Carolina Panthers

Team owner Jerry Richardson’s son Mark is responsible for the selection of Panthers as the team name. Mark, who felt that there should be some “synergy” between the name and the team colors also suggested the team colors of black, blue and silver.

The Cardinals originally played in Chicago as a charter member of the American Professional Football Association (APPA). The team moved to St. Louis in 1960 and then to Phoenix in 1988. Contrary to popular logic, the team was not named after the beautiful bird but instead because the team played in used maroon jerseys the original team (in pre-NFL years) had purchased from the University of Chicago. When an observer scoffed that the jerseys were faded red, team owner Chris Brien countered that they weren't faded red, they were cardinal red.

Carolina Panthers - Stadium

Ericsson Stadium 800 South Mint Street Charlotte, NC 28202 Surface Grass Seating 73,248 Opened Sept. 14, 1997 Phone Phone: (704) 358-7407 Fax (704) 358-7619 Tenants:    Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers Chronological History

1993 - Panthers owner Jerry Richardson is granted the first NFL expansion franchise since 1976. Former Steelers assistant coach signs on as the Panthers first head coach.

1995 - Although they lost the first 5 games of the season, the Pathers find their pace and win 7 of the next 11 games. One of these wins is against the San Francisco 49ers, making the Panthers the first expansion team to ever beat a defending league champion.

1996 - Amazingly, the Panthers win 12 games and their division, qualifying them for the playoffs. It's the first time an NFL expansion team has encountered such immediate success. Sadly the Panthers lost the Super Bowl to the Green Bay Packers.

2001- The Panthers set an NFL record by losing 15 consecutive games.

2003 - With new coach John Fox at the helm, the Panthers turned around their bad luck and posted an 11-5 winning record. They not only qualified for the playoffs but also won the NFC's South Division.

2004 - During the Super Bowl the Panthers tied up the game but suffered a field goal by the New England Patriots in the last four seconds of the game making it one of the most dramatic Super Bowl losses in NFL history.

2005 - After losing to the Cowboys in the season's penultimate game, the Panthers needed a victory to secure a spot in the 2005 playoffs. They responded with a dominating New Years Day performance at the Georgia Dome, a 44-11 victory over the Falcons, making the score the largest margin of victory in franchise history.