CHARLOTTE -- It's not just the Panthers' Super Bowl 50 loss that has NFL fans and the national media talking. It's the press conference, after the big game that is causing a stir with some.
Panthers quarterback, Cam Newton, undeniably emotional after the loss, abruptly left a press conference after apparently overhearing a Denver Broncos player in the background.
But, ask “Panther Nation” and many will tell you they are still proud to have Newton as their quarterback, no matter what others think. "I’m actually happy he's emotional; it shows that he cares, and that he does not want to lose,” said Alex, a Panthers fan who drove from Virginia to Charlotte to watch the game.
"I know that he wanted it so badly; not for himself, but he wanted to bring an Lombardi trophy back to the Carolinas," said Deborah Felder, a Panthers fan from Columbia, SC.
Former Panthers offensive lineman, Frank Garcia, is a sports radio host on WFNZ. He says he understands Newton's reaction. "He's a guy that wears his emotions on his sleeves. He takes the losses, as difficult and as hard as anybody," said Garcia.
Garcia believes Newton's passion may have echoed in his emotions. “He loves what he does....he cares; I don't think anybody can question that," said Garcia.
To the fans, the Panthers are still #1. “We are 100% behind you. We don't care what the nation says. We are Carolina strong and we are Cam strong, and we say 'dab on em' still," said Felder.
Despite the outcome, some Panthers’ fans said they were very optimistic about next season and hope the Panthers “keep pounding” to Super Bowl 51.