As a born-and-raised North Carolina native, I’ve learned two things over the years:
Never underestimate the power of a Bojangles tailgate.
And never fully count out the Carolina Panthers—no matter how many heartbreaks we’ve nursed over sweet tea and barbecue.
This past Saturday, Panther Nation gathered at Bank of America Stadium for the annual Fan Fest, and y’all, it felt like the first day of school. The kind where you’re equal parts hopeful and nervous—but still rockin’ your favorite jersey, even if it’s been through more seasons than you’d like to admit.
For the first time in 2025, the Panthers took the field in front of a home crowd. And since training camp was closed to the public for the first time since 2020, this was our first real glimpse at the squad. The energy? Electric. The fireworks? Literal and metaphorical. The cheers? Loud enough to drown out even the most stubborn Steelers jersey in the stands (though let’s be honest, we still saw a few…).
Fans finally got to see third-year QB Bryce Young in action—and yes, he’s still got that spark. There were flashes of brilliance on both sides of the ball, and while it’s still preseason, you could feel a little flicker of something we haven’t felt in a while: cautious optimism.
And if you’re into signs from the football gods, here’s a juicy one: In 2003 and again in 2015, the Panthers opened the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars. What happened both years? Super Bowl appearances. Guess who we open against in Week 1 this year?
The Jacksonville. Freaking. Jaguars.
Coincidence? Maybe. But in Panther Nation, we don’t believe in coincidences—we believe in superstition, rituals, and the healing power of blue face paint.
Of course, we know the road ahead won’t be easy. We’ll still see more opponent jerseys than we’d like at home games (Cowboys fans, we’re looking at you), and sure, this team is still finding its footing. But if you grew up around here—whether you’ve tailgated in a parking lot or watched games at a packed sports bar in Cornelius—you know that Panthers fans are a different breed. We don’t bandwagon. We believe.
So as we gear up for the first preseason game against the Browns this Friday, I’m pulling on my lucky jersey (yes, it’s Steve Smith Sr.—don’t @ me), grabbing a Cheerwine, and settling in for what I hope is the start of something special.
Because hope springs eternal in Carolina—especially when it smells like fresh turf, barbecue smoke, and just a hint of revenge season.
Let’s go, Cats. Keep. Pounding. 🖤💙
📅 Full 2025 Panthers Schedule
🗓 First Preseason Game: Friday, August 8 vs. Cleveland Browns
🗓 Season Opener: Sunday, September 7 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (yep, again)
