I just realized: I have no idea where the name "Panthers" came from

[Sam Mills Fan]

Anyone know? All I know is that Jerry Richardson first got a PNTHRS license plate back in 1989, but I have no clue why.

[Arroz con Panther]

Panthers team president Mark Richardson, the son of team owner Jerry Richardson, chose the Panthers nickname because "it's a name our family thought signifies what we thought a team should be—powerful, sleek and strong." Richardson also chose the 1995 expansion team’s color scheme of black, blue, and silver - See more at: http://m.mentalfloss.com/article.php?id=25650#sthash.mzbPIdRW.dpuf

[PRIMETIMEPANTHERS]

Wasnt there a contest or something to come up with it

[Sean Payton's Vicodin]

I still wish they had chosen something more in line with North and South Carolina's history and/or geographical location, IE Steelers, Packers, Patriots, Vikings etc etc.

Random fierce animal is just lazy. At least the color scheme is awesome.

[Sam Mills Fan]

Panthers team president Mark Richardson, the son of team owner Jerry Richardson, chose the Panthers nickname because "it's a name our family thought signifies what we thought a team should be—powerful, sleek and strong." Richardson also chose the 1995 expansion team’s color scheme of black, blue, and silver - See more at: http://m.mentalfloss.com/article.php?id=25650#sthash.mzbPIdRW.dpuf

How old was Mark Richardson in 1989? Like mid-20s? Trying to picture it: Some random family dinner, new college grad Mark Richardson threw out the name "Panthers" and Jerry liked it and it's just been like that ever since.

 

I ask the question because I've been trying to think of what a possible MLS or MLB Charlotte team would be named.

What's Mark Richardson been doing since Jerry fired him? Anyone know?

[Donald LaFell]

I still wish they had chosen something more in line with North and South Carolina's history and/or geographical location, IE Steelers, Packers, Patriots, Vikings etc etc.

Random fierce animal is just lazy. At least the color scheme is awesome.

The Carolina BBQ 

[SIGCHI222]

So all of the sudden...a big ass panther....who is totally black.....and can kill both you and your children is not cool enough because it doesn't reflect what?  Our banking heritage?

You fucxs never cease to amaze me.

[jasonluckydog]

The panthers are lame why cant we have a cool mascot like a pelican.

[Moorgan]

I believe I read somewhere years ago that the big cats...panthers are a group of many cats...used to live freely in the carolinas over 100 years ago but died out or moved south towards Florida. The carolinas have a long history with the panthers. They died out and migrated...until Jerry Richardson brought them back.

[Chimera]

The panthers are lame why cant we have a cool mascot like a pelican.

Or an oriole - lets name our team after a freaking sparrow.

[Sean Payton's Vicodin]

So all of the sudden...a big ass panther....who is totally black.....and can kill both you and your children is not cool enough because it doesn't reflect what?  Our banking heritage?

You fucxs never cease to amaze me.

literally every team i listed could kill a panther with no problem.

[Jangler]

If I had the money, I'd have a team in LA called the Newts, why?

 

 

 

 

 

fug you that's why.

[Sean Payton's Vicodin]

if bobcats were a bad name for charlottes pro basketball team, panthers are a bad name for charlottes pro football team. both are cats of prey, woohoo how original. that hasnt been done over 1,000 times. but at least wild bobcats exist in north carolina. the closest wild cougar exists in like fuging nevada or some poo cause human beings (the real alpha, apex predator) kicked those pussies out long ago.

[Mother Grabber]

if bobcats were a bad name for charlottes pro basketball team, panthers are a bad name for charlottes pro football team. both are cats of prey, woohoo how original. that hasnt been done over 1,000 times. but at least wild bobcats exist in north carolina. the closest wild cougar exists in like fuging nevada or some poo cause human beings (the real alpha, apex predator) kicked them out long ago.

all cats are 'cats of prey'.  Cats are true carnivores.