There are a few players whose names are synonymous with their franchises. JJ Watt and the Houston Texans. Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Marshawn Lynch and the Seattle Seahawks. The Panthers have a couple of guys who merit consideration here.
QB Cam Newton - 4 years
The former #1 overall selection, has been the face of the franchise from his first day. He has a million dollar smile and outstanding charisma. On the field Cam has set records and won games, but he is frustratingly inconsistent and has yet to lead the team deep into the playoffs. As Cam goes, the Panthers franchise goes. Some question whether he has the talent to lead a team to the Super Bowl, but I do not have any doubts. We will soon find out if the front office believes Super Cam is a franchise cornerstone, as he will enter unrestricted free agency next offseason if the Panthers cannot reach an extension with him.
MLB Luke Kuechly - 3 years
A surprise pick in 2012, the linebacker out of Boston College has only gone on to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Pro Bowl, and NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. According to the Dick's Sporting Goods Jersey Report, Luke is #4 in the NFL in jersey sales. That speaks to his national recognition and popularity. Like Newton, Kuechly is going to be due for an extension very soon. Expect him to receive a very sizable contract that keeps him around for a long time.
DE Charles Johnson - 8 years
The leader of the defensive line took over for Mike Rucker and Julius Peppers in 2010 and never looked back. He signed the largest contract in Panthers history (6 years, $72 million) after the 2011 lockout and has made the team happy with its investment (despite needs to restructure the contract due to other cap complications). Johnson has recorded 52.5 sacks over the last five years and had two sacks in the recent playoff win over the Arizona Cardinals, illustrating his ability to perform on the big stage.
LB Thomas Davis - 10 years
If any man bleeds Carolina blue, it has to be TD58. He is the first and only NFL player to come back from three ACL surgeries - and somehow he has performed even better. He seems to be in on every play and has averaged over 8 tackles a game in the playoffs (outside of his rookie year when he was not a starter). Davis and Kuechly have combined to form the best linebacker tandem in the NFL the past two seasons, and Davis is one of the best tight end counters in the league.
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Homework - Leave a comment!
If you had to pick one player on the Panthers current roster to represent the entire franchise and fandom, who would you choose?
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