Which four players are the Carolina Panthers’ version of Mount Rushmore?
It is a franchise that was born in 1995. It has won its share of division titles and even made a pair of Super Bowl appearances. But in one of those NFL oddities, the Carolina Panthers have yet to record back-to-back winning campaigns.
These days, the club is in the middle of a transition and the new head coach is former Baylor University sideline leader Matt Rhule (story via Nick Shook of NFL.com). He takes over for Ron Rivera, who joined the team in 2011 and guided the club to four playoff appearances and a berth in Super Bowl 50 during his stay but was relieved of his duties after 12 games in 2019.
In 25 NFL seasons, the Panthers have had their share of standout performers and memorable players. From quarterback Jake Delhomme, wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad and special teams standout Michael Bates to tight ends Wesley Walls and Greg Olsen (now a member of the Seattle Seahawks).
There’s tackle Jordan Gross, defensive tackle Kris Jenkins, linebackers Jon Beason and Thomas Davis and center Ryan Kalil. Pro Football Hall of Famer Kevin Greene and inspirational defender Sam Mills has brief stints with the club as well.
These days, the team’s biggest star is versatile running back Christian McCaffrey. The last few years a number of prominent players move on for one reason or another. In any case, which four performers (in alphabetical order) would make up this franchise’s Mount Rushmore?