Panthers road to the Super Bowl
It's been quite the year for the Carolina Panthers, and especially for newly crowned MVP Cam Newton. ABC11 was the only station that covered the Panthers every single game this season.
From training camp to Super Bowl 50, the Panthers have been gaining momentum for months. Here's a look back at the most memorable moments from the 2015-2016 season.
PRESEASON:
Cam Newton speaks out about his fight with cornerback Josh Norman after he picked off a pass in training camp. Read more here.
GAME ONE
Josh Norman returned an interception for a touchdown, star linebacker Luke Kuechly sustained a concussion and the Panthers did just enough offensively to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-9 in their season opener. Read more here.
CAM'S GOOD DEEDS
Cam Newton made an unexpected visit to a Halloween party for a boy with cancer. Read more here.
Cam Newton also hosted a Charleston shooting victim's family at a game. Read more here.
One of Cam's claims to fame this season, though, was his game ball giveaway. Every game, Cam gifted one lucky kid in the stands with a game football. A boy from Raleigh was one of those lucky kids!
Packers' Julius Peppers did try to thwart Cam's efforts one game, though. Ouch. He eventually did give a ball away that game...and they beat the Packers. Sorry, Julius.
UNDEFEATED!
Cam lead the team in win after win after win.
It looked like the Panthers could not be stopped.
When the Denver Broncos took down the Patriots, the were the only undefeated team left in the league.
Until...
The Falcons took down the mighty Panthers. 14-1 is an impressive record by any stretch, but the streak was over. Read more here.
QUESTIONABLE PLAYS, QUESTIONABLE DECISIONS
We all remember where we were when the Giant's Odell Beckham Jr. bullied cornerback Josh Norman and did not get ejected from the game. Well, our viewers had a lot to say about it.
Beckham did get suspended after all was said and done.
Banner-gate had Panther Nation up in arms. Cam Newton ripped a Packers banner down, and the owner happened to be a veteran from Fayetteville. Read more here.
The vet eventually ended up with two brand new banners.
THE PANTHERS NEWEST TEAMMATE
Cam had even more reason to celebrate in December. He became a father.
Newton also explained on Twitter why he didn't announce the news sooner.
Before the game against the Seattle Seahawks, Cam wore a shirt which features his newborn son and him "dabbing" together.
SUPER BOWL BOUND
The Panthers dominated the Arizona Cardinals, sending them to Super Bowl 50. Read more about that game here.
Panthers left tackle Michael Oher might not be a fan of "The Blind Side," but he's a fan of the family that turned his rags-to-riches story into the 2009 Hollywood movie. And they were thrilled Oher was heading to the Super Bowl.
As the Panthers get ready to take on the Broncos in the Super Bowl, Cam's "dab" is catching on - even with the very, very young...
....and the older fans.
MORE FAVORITES FROM ABC11
It was a blast covering the Panthers all season long. Here are a few of our other favorite stories:
AND FINALLY
Cam won MVP! Not many can say they were surprised by the news, but it was exciting nonetheless. Read more here.
PHOTOS: Cam Newton highlights throughout the season
GOOD LUCK PANTHERS!
This report included information from the Associated Press and ESPN
