Football

Fans greet Panthers as they return home after Super Bowl

By Alexa Ashwell
By Alexa Ashwell

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hundreds of Carolina Panthers fans gathered Monday night at Bank of America Stadium in uptown Charlotte for the team’s arrival after playing in the Super Bowl.

The team's plane arrived around 6:30 p.m. and was greeted with a water cannon salute as it taxied along the tarmac.

Fans at the stadium told Channel 9 they are still backing their team after the 24-10 loss to the Denver Broncos.

"We love the Panthers,” said Kevin Rice. “They're number one, they're gonna do it again. We're gonna win next year."

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Fans waited in freezing temperatures for hours to show the Panthers they still loved and supported the team. They also wanted to cheer the team up after a devastating loss.

"I want to support them no matter what,” said Drucilla Black. “From 1995 to now, I ain't giving up, I’m hanging in there all the way."

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Players high-fived the fans and so did coach Ron Rivera. Quarterback Cam Newton didn't stop but he did wave at the crowds.

  • PRESS PLAY to watch Cam Newton, wearing a dark jacket and white headphones, wave to crowd:

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Parents told Channel 9 they brought their kids to see the team as a lesson that sometimes in life you lose, but the important thing is to keep trying.

The team will clean out their lockers Tuesday morning after the record-breaking season. During an 11 a.m. press conference at Bank of America Stadium, Rivera will talk about the Super Bowl and how his players are handling the loss.

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