Immediately after the coin toss at every Panthers home game in Bank of America Stadium, Carolina ‘sounds the drum.’ This tradition began in 2012, with an honorary drummer — often a former player or local public figure — striking the “Keep Pounding” drum four times, representing each quarter of the game. Before Saturday’s NFC Wild Card showdown, the Panthers teased the return of a franchise legend.
Panthers’ Legend Set to Return to Bank of America Stadium for NFC Wild Card Showdown
Preparing for Carolina’s most significant game in years — its first home playoff since 2017 — the team ignited excitement with a mysterious social media post on Wednesday. The font suggested that former NFL MVP and Panthers legend Cam Newton will return to Charlotte as the honorary “Keep Pounding” drummer for Carolina’s (8-9) Wild Card matchup on Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams (12-5).
ŠØŪÑD THĒ DRŪM pic.twitter.com/Basvvc0avJ
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 7, 2026
“Keep Pounding” is the team’s mantra, symbolizing endurance and toughness, adopted after linebacker Sam Mills’ battle with cancer. The mantra is literally and figuratively woven into the franchise, embroidered on the inside of every Panthers jersey collar.
Cam Newton arrived as Carolina’s chosen one, the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
The team, battered from a punishing 2-14 season, desperately needed hope. As Newton’s name was called, a wave of optimism crashed over the franchise. His presence didn’t just change the lineup — it electrified the city, reshaping the Panthers’ destiny and restoring pride to weary fans.
Newton won AP NFL Rookie of the Year, passing for 4,051 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions, while rushing for 706 yards and 14 touchdowns. During his career, he totaled 32,282 passing yards (29,725 with Carolina), 194 touchdowns, 123 interceptions, 5,628 rushing yards (third all-time by a quarterback), and 75 rushing touchdowns (second-most in NFL history).
Cam Newton led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos. This finale capped the 2015-16 NFL season. That year, Carolina finished with a 15-1 record, and Newton was named league MVP.
Newton’s time in Carolina wasn’t all positive. His departure frustrated many fans. Following injury issues, the team allowed him to seek a trade in 2020, but no offers were received, leading to his release. In his last seasons, Newton faced shoulder injuries, while some fans favored backups like Kyle Allen.
Newton briefly returned to the Panthers in 2021. Many hoped this would repair the relationship and let the franchise celebrate him. That has not happened yet. Newton has, however, been supportive lately of current Panthers’ QB Bryce Young (No. 32 in PFSN’s NFL QB Impact Metric). Young has gone through his own tribulations with Carolina fans — something Newton can empathize with.
Is it a “passing of the torch” moment? That will depend on the way Young and the Panthers perform on Saturday. One thing is certain, though: if Cam Newton emerges from the corner tunnel at Bank of America Stadium to set the tone for Saturday’s playoff game — the first since he was quarterback — the stadium may shake along with the drum he pounds.
