Founded: 1995

Home stadium: Ericsson Stadium

Uniform colors: Black, Cerulean blue, Silver, and White

Helmet design: Silver helmet, a black snarling panther outlined in blue

League championships won: None.

Super Bowl appearances: XXXVIII (lost)

During the next few years, the Panthers made nearly as much news off the field as on, much of it negative. In 1999, wide receiver Rae Carruth was convicted of murdering his pregnant girlfriend. The following year, running back Fred Lane was shot to death by his wife during a domestic dispute.

In 2003, two years removed from a 1-15 season, the team returned to the NFC championship, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles to earn a trip to Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Texas. The team fell in that game to the AFC champion New England Patriots, 32-29, following a field goal with :08 remaining by Patriot kicker Adam Vinatieri.

Players of note

• Stephen Davis
• Jake Delhomme
• Kris Jenkins
• Ricky Manning, Jr
• Julius Peppers
• Todd Sauerbrun
• Steve Smith

("Hall of Honor")

• Sam Mills

• Tyrone Poole