Coach Ron Rivera and quarterback Cam Newton both joined the Carolina Panthers prior to the 2011 season. The No. 1 overall draft pick out of college, Newton immediately became the face of Panthers football as he ushered in a new fan culture of excitement, loyalty, and fun where many half-hearted supporters once stood.
An organization just 16 years in existence (at the time) many in the Carolinas had grown up having to root for other teams before founder Jerry Richardson brought the Panthers to Charlotte. As Newton grew in popularity, so too did many young fans support for their new hometown team.