Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper is excited for the future of his team in the midst of an impressive 2025 season.
“I think we’re building something special in Carolina,” Tepper told reporters Tuesday. “And we’ve been building it outside in the community, and we’re building it on the field, so it’s a total picture. Hopefully we can go on and we have that for many years to come. That’s what we’re looking for.”
The Panthers currently sit at 7-6, tied atop the NFC South standings with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It’s been an admirable season for a Carolina squad that hasn’t made a playoff appearance since its 2017 campaign, recording a double-digit loss total in each of the past six years.
The Panthers got off to a slow start this season, owning a 1-3 mark through four weeks. They’ve posted a 6-3 record since, with impressive wins over NFC contenders including the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams.
Bryce Young has put together an improved season under center for Carolina, completing a career-high 63.4 percent of his throws for 2,337 yards and 18 touchdowns compared to nine interceptions.
Young’s top target has been rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan, as the No. 8 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft has caught 57 passes for 826 yards and six scores in his first 13 career appearances.
Rico Dowdle has also stepped up to lead the Panthers’ rushing attack, picking up 1,183 all-purpose yards and six total touchdowns in 13 games.
Even if Carolina’s 2025 playoff push ultimately isn’t successful, the overall future of the team is still bright.