The Panthers first took the field in 1995 and set an expansion record with seven wins despite playing their home games in Clemson, S.C., two-and-a-half hours away from their home in Charlotte.
A year later in 1996, Carolina won the NFC West, producing a 12-4 record – including an 8-0 mark at home. The Panthers hosted their first postseason game, defeating Dallas in the NFC Divisional Playoffs, before falling to eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay in the NFC Championship.
“Bill has had a long and accomplished career in the National Football League,” Owner/Founder Jerry Richardson said.