How did the Carolina Panthers get their name?

Answer 1

Before the franchise was even awarded, there was a write in contest to name the team. The winning name was actually the "Charlotte Panthers". But after realizing that meeting the financial requirements of the NFL would require a significant commitment from both Carolinas, the name was changed to the Carolina Panthers.

Answer 2

Its a regional name, the south has a lot of Cougars that are known by various names throughout the south such as Moutain Lions, Cougars, Pumas and Panthers, thus when Carolina was given a team they went with a regional name to represent the location just like the New Orleans Saints (due to Louisianas catholic heritage), San Fransisco 49ers (for the 1949 California gold rush), Miami Dolphins (based on the tropical nature of the ocean next to Miami) and a few others that are pretty obvious. Why did they choose it? Mascots are best when they are A aggressive in nature and B relevant to the teams location and/or its heritage, thus you get the Panthers

Answer 3

well the choices were between names such as the "strom thurmans" and the "generals" and the "rebels" all of which seem to pay homage to south carolinas racist history. "Panthers" was the least possible offensive name, so that is what was chosen. Many people have no clue that the Panthers represent both North and South Carolina. People were lobbying for the Panther Stadium to be in Columbia S.C., but for whatever reason it never happend.

Answer 4

From the owner's son.

Answer 5

John Lawson