Since team's inception, Panthers radio host has seen it all

By DaShawn Brown

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jim Szoke has seen it all.

A color analyst for the Panthers Radio Network, Szoke has been a part of the NFL organization, even before there was an actual team.

"I actually went to the expansion meetings when the league was looking to add teams, and was part of that process of us covering the potential of us having a franchise," he said.

Szoke, who described the 15-1 squad as brothers, said players this year display a special chemistry that carries over onto the field.

He and David Langton, executive producer of the Panthers Radio Network, are among few able to get an inside look into the organization between access to team practice or a ride aboard the team plane.

Langton said among the biggest changes he's noticed in more than two decades with the team is its growing fan base, after wins and losses.

"The place that we really see the support is when we come home from away games," he said. "As the season goes on, and you're starting to play well, two people becomes six people, becomes 12 people."

Szoke also said a key ingredient in the Panthers winning formula has been its coach/quarterback combo, with MVP front-runner Cam Newton and head coach Ron Rivera.

"Any team in the league will tell you you've got to have those two things right," he said.

If their regular season 15-1 finish is any indication, the Panthers are doing a lot of things right. The focus now shifts to the finish line, a franchise-first Super Bowl win.

"The Panthers have been one of those teams that will make a splash, and then it will kind of go away," Szoke said.

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