Key Insights from Super Bowl Opening Night: Kuechly and McMillan Earn Praise
The excitement surrounding the Panthers’ resurgence has reignited memories for Charlotte natives. Notably, Drake Maye, a local quarterback, reflected on his experiences during the last Super Bowl. He attended the match in the Bay Area, where the Panthers faced off against the Broncos.
“It’s full circle,” Maye shared with reporters after the AFC Championship game. He recalled how his father promised to attend the Super Bowl if the Panthers made it, an emotional moment despite the team’s loss. “That was Peyton [Manning]’s last game. What a Hall of Fame career he’s had,” Maye added.
Maye and Bradbury: Charlotte’s Talented Fixation
Maye isn’t alone in his connections to football in Charlotte. His teammate, Garrett Bradbury, also hails from the area. “Drake’s a little younger than me,” Bradbury joked, downplaying their age difference. The veteran center did not attend the Panthers’ last Super Bowl but has closely followed the team’s journey in recent years.
Charlotte’s Passionate Sports Culture
As the Panthers aim for reestablishing their dominance, Bradbury emphasized Charlotte’s evolving sports atmosphere. “When they were winning, I was a Panthers fan because you could not be,” he shared. The pride is palpable when local teams excel.
- Panthers’ previous Super Bowl appearance: 10 years ago
- Drake Maye attended the Super Bowl as a child
- Teams’ comeback has reinvigorated local sports enthusiasm
Bradbury noted the current success of other local teams, indicating a promising future for the city. “The Hornets are on fire now too,” he remarked, showcasing the excitement surrounding Charlotte’s sports scene.
With the Panthers aiming for victory this season, the connection to the city’s past remains strong. Charlotte’s fans, young and old, are eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for their beloved teams.
