Former players say the postseason berth signals a promising shift for the franchise and an energized fan base.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β For the first time in years, the Carolina PanthersΒ are playoff-bound, and fans across the Carolinas are starting to believe again.
The playoff clinch marks a major shift for a team that has spent the last few seasons rebuilding. And for players who once wore the black and blue, this moment feels familiar and promising.
Brenton Bersin, who spent five seasons with the Panthers, including on the team that went to the Super Bowl in 2015, says playoff football isn’t just about wins. It’s about the energy a city brings when fans rally behind their team.
“It’s just great being from Charlotte, in the city of Charlotte, and kind of the buzz we have going this weekend,” Bersin said.Β
Bersin emphasized the role fans play in a team’s success, particularly during high-stakes postseason games.
“The fans actually play a big role in the performance of the team,” Bersin said. “It’s cool to see success, have a playoff game. Fans are going to pack it out. It’s going to be a great atmosphere, and the players are going to have an advantage from that.”
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With renewed energy, the Panthers are hoping this postseason appearance is just the beginning, not the exception.
Bersin noted the value of playoff experience for a roster that hasn’t had this opportunity in eight years.
“This is experience that you are now getting that they haven’t had for eight years, right? So none of these β I mean, some of them probably have been in this position, but very limited,” Bersin said. “So it’s good to build that. And then into next season, you’ve been there before, win or lose this game, you’ve been to the playoffs, you’ve been in that big game, you’ve learned from it. You kind of build on that.”
The Panthers are hoping fans will pack Bank of America Stadium for Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. Kickoff is at 4:30 p.m.
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Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.