Panthers head coach responds to rumors of Panthers legend returning for wild card game

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – As excitement continues to grow in the Queen City for the Carolina Panthers’ first playoff game since 2017, fans could witness one of their own returning to Bank of America Stadium on Saturday.

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Panthers legend and superstar Cam Newton will be in Charlotte on Saturday, Jan. 10, and could return to Bank of America Stadium as the “Keep Pounding” drummer for the wild card game.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales was asked about the possibility of Newton’s return on Thursday, Jan. 8.

“I heard about that, I heard that rumor. For me, we could use all the help we can get. You talk about bringing juice. That’s momentum, that energy that comes. I think about Cam. I just think of aura, he’s the biggest big person. It’s not just by his height and size. But also just the personality. If that happens, I think that’s amazing. We can use any type of energy, and that enthusiasm, and I know our fans in Bank of America stadium will be fired up if that does happen.”

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Carolina will be hosting the Los Angeles Rams (12-5) in the NFC wild card round of the playoffs. It is the first time since 2017 when Newton led the Panthers to an 11-5 record and a wild card matchup against NFC South division rival New Orleans Saints.

Newton is arguably one of the franchise’s most impactful players and greatest players in team history.

He was selected No. 1 overall by the Panthers in the 2011 NFL Draft, and during his time in Charlotte, Newton was named the NFL MVP in 2015 and was the league’s offensive player of the year.

The Panthers have the worst odds at winning Super Bowl LX at 150-1.

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Carolina hosted the Rams earlier this season at the end of November 2025 and won 31-28.

The Panthers racked up 358 total yards against the Rams, with 164 yards coming on the ground — led by Chuba Hubbard, who had 83 yards rushing, followed by Rico Dowdle, who had 58 yards rushing.

Star defensive tackle Derrick Brown sealed the Panthers win with a strip sack of Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Newton and his team confirmed on Facebook that they will be going live on YouTube at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday from the Roaring Riot tailgate.

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