NFL Team Guide
Carolina Panthers: History, Super Bowls & Facts
The Carolina Panthers joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1995 and play in Charlotte, North Carolina. They won NFC championships after the 2003 and 2015 seasons and reached Super Bowls XXXVIII and 50.
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Updated live from ESPN.
Quick facts
| Founded | 1993 (NFL's 29th franchise); first season 1995 |
|---|---|
| Stadium | Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte (opened 1996 as Ericsson Stadium) |
| NFC championships | 2 (2003, 2015) |
| Super Bowl appearances | 2 (XXXVIII, 50) |
| Division | NFC West (1995–2001), NFC South (2002–) |
Super Bowl history
The Panthers have not won a Super Bowl. Through the 2025 season they have reached two, after the 2003 and 2015 seasons.
- Super Bowl XXXVIII (2003 season): lost to the New England Patriots 32–29
- Super Bowl 50 (2015 season): lost to the Denver Broncos 24–10
- NFC Championships: 2003, 2015
- Also reached the NFC Championship Game after the 1996 and 2005 seasons
Franchise history
- 1993: Awarded the NFL's 29th franchise on October 26.
- 1995: Played the first season at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.
- 1996: Opened Ericsson Stadium, won the NFC West at 12–4 and reached the NFC Championship Game.
- 2004: Played in Super Bowl XXXVIII after the 2003 season; the stadium was renamed Bank of America Stadium.
- 2015: Went 15–1; Cam Newton was named NFL MVP.
- 2018: David Tepper completed his purchase of the team from founder Jerry Richardson.
Franchise record holders
| Rushing yards | Jonathan Stewart, 7,318 (2008–2017) |
|---|---|
| Receiving yards | Steve Smith Sr., 12,197 (2001–2013) |
| Points | John Kasay, 1,482 (1995–2010) |
Retired numbers
- 51Sam Mills
Hall of Famers
Sam Mills, Julius Peppers, Luke Kuechly.
Biggest rivalries
- Atlanta Falcons: the nearest division rival, in the same division since 1995.
- New Orleans Saints: division rivals in the NFC West and then the NFC South.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: NFC South rivals since the 2002 realignment.
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Have the Panthers ever won a Super Bowl?
No. They lost Super Bowl XXXVIII to New England after the 2003 season and Super Bowl 50 to Denver after the 2015 season.
When did the Panthers start playing?
In 1995. The NFL awarded the franchise on October 26, 1993.
Where did the Panthers play their first season?
At Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina, in 1995, while their Charlotte stadium was being built.
What number have the Panthers retired?
Number 51, for linebacker Sam Mills.
What was the Panthers' best regular season?
The 2015 season, when they went 15–1 and reached Super Bowl 50.
Sources
Facts checked September 23, 2026. Live figures above come from ESPN.