Cam Newton returns and pounds drum to start Panthers‑Rams

Cam Newton returned to Bank of America Stadium before the Panthers' wild-card game and struck the Keep Pounding drum; earlier he led a live pre-game tailgate that included chants and appearances by former Panthers.

Cam Newton returned to Bank of America Stadium on Saturday as the Carolina Panthers prepared for a wild‑card game against the Los Angeles Rams. Minutes before kickoff he emerged from the tunnel amid smoke and crowd noise and struck the Keep Pounding drum four times. Earlier he hosted a live pre‑game tailgate that drew chants of "MVP" and included appearances by several former Panthers. Newton spoke about the moment's meaning and mentioned his 10‑year‑old son, Chosen. Noted details: - Newton struck the Keep Pounding drum four times minutes before kickoff. - He hosted a live pre-game tailgate where fans chanted "MVP." - Former Panthers Thomas Davis, Jonathan Stewart, Luke Kuechly and Joe Webb appeared on Newton's "Fourth & 1" show, and Greg Olsen was in the Fox booth. - Newton said he had felt disrespected when he was not included among other retired players who traveled to Munich in 2024 and when he did not see certain photos at the stadium. - He noted that his son Chosen is now 10 and referenced the franchise's 2015 season. Summary: Newton's return reunited him with former teammates and centered attention on the Panthers' past season and traditions. Undetermined at this time.