The Carolina Panthers are going big for their first home playoff game since the 2015 season. The team has teased the return of former league MVP Cam Newton.
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The team released a teaser video on Wednesday evening, highlighting the Keep Pounding drum that an honorary guest hits before each home game. The camera zoomed in on the drum as head coach Dave Canales provided narration. He discussed past home playoff games and their atmospheres before a different voice took over.
"I know I said, I'm back, but in essence, we back," the other voice said before the video ended. The team did not show the speaker, but fans knew this was the voice of Newton. They also recognized the font that he used on social media.
ŠØŪÑD THĒ DRŪM pic.twitter.com/Basvvc0avJ
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 7, 2026
This video created immediate excitement among some members of the Panthers fanbase, who had previously clamored for the team to bring in the former first-round draft pick to serve in an honorary role.
They viewed this as fitting considering that Newton was the starting quarterback the last time the Panthers hosted a playoff game. He accounted for four total touchdowns on Jan. 25, 2016, as the Panthers defeated the Cardinals 49-15 to reach the Super Bowl.
The Panthers and Newton have had a strained relationship since 2024. The former quarterback said on his podcast that he was hurt that the team did not invite him to Germany alongside other past players for fan events leading up to a game against the Giants.
The Panthers have invited Newton to some events over the years, but he has not been in attendance. Yet, The Athletic writer Joe Person reported on Wednesday that the team had reached out to Newton about returning to beat the ceremonial drum. The team did not yet have an answer, but Person noted the Panthers remained optimistic.
Hours later, the Panthers dropped this teaser and essentially confirmed the return of a former MVP. Now, Newton will set the stage ahead of Saturday afternoon's playoff game, which takes place at 4:30 p.m. ET on Fox.
