SAN FRANCISCO -- The Carolina Panthers played their first NFL season 21 years ago, and in the two-plus decades since their founding, they’ve already reached two Super Bowls.
In 2004, the Panthers lost to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots on a late field goal, 32-29. Sunday, they play Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos in historic Super Bowl 50.
The Broncos have two Super Bowl championships and five other Super Bowl appearances to their credit. When tonight’s game kicks off, they’ll tie the Patriots, Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers for most Super Bowl trips in league history.