Super Bowl LII between the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots is a little over a week away. Can you believe it? It seems like it was yesterday when the Panthers arrived at Wofford College to start training camp.
The Panthers have been to the Super Bowl twice — Super Bowl XXXVIII vs New England and Super Bowl 50 vs Denver — and they have unfortunately lost both times. However, there are still some amazing moments from their two times under the bright lights. My favorite Panthers Super Bowl moment happened in Super Bowl XXXVIII, which is considered by many to be one of the greatest Super Bowls ever played.
You might remember the play I’m about to discuss, but here’s some context:
It’s the 4th quarter, and the Panthers had just scored a touchdown to cut New England’s lead to 21-16. The Patriots were driving down the field in an attempt to extend their lead, but Tom Brady’s pass was intercepted by Reggie Howard in the end zone.
On the ensuing Panthers possession, one of the best moments in Super Bowl history happened:
Then on 3rd down from his own 15-yard line, Delhomme threw for the longest play from scrimmage in Super Bowl history, an 85-yard touchdown completion to [Muhsin] Muhammad. Carolina’s 2-point conversion attempt failed again, but they took their first lead of the game, 22–21, with 6:53 remaining. It was the first time in Super Bowl history a team down 10+ points during the 4th quarter had come back to take the lead.
Unfortunately the lead didn’t last very long. The Patriots scored again (and added a two-point conversion) to make it 29-22. But, because this game couldn’t stop being exciting, the Panthers tied the game at 29 on a Ricky Proehl touchdown with just over one minute to go.
We won’t talk about what happened next...
Okay, fine. John Kasay’s kickoff went out of bounds and the Patriots went on to win the game on an Adam Vinatieri field goal. There, I said it. Happy now?
While the Panthers may have fallen short of winning the game, it doesn’t take the thrill of that 85-yarder to Moose away ... at least not for me.
What about you, Panthers fans? What’s your favorite Super Bowl moment? Share yours in the comments below.