The Carolina Panthers officially announced their team captains for the 2024 campaign on Wednesday.
Quarterback Bryce Young, defensive lineman Derrick Brown, linebacker Shaq Thompson and safety/special teams ace Sam Franklin Jr. will wear the ‘C’ on their jerseys this season. Head coach Dave Canales, who previously stated that he wanted one representative for each of the game’s three phases, was asked about Brown and Thompson both getting the honor on defense.
“The people spoke,” Canales replied with a smile following this afternoon’s practice. “And there was a lot of votes for both guys, and I just said, ‘Great, that’s fantastic.’ That’s exactly what we want is for guys to identify that leadership, the people that stand for what we’re about here, our play style, playing with great effort, great enthusiasm, toughness, playing smart and finish.
“These are guys that finish everything they do. So I love that they chose the guys they did because they really exemplify what we’re looking for from our team.”
Brown and Franklin Jr. are first-time captains, with Thompson earning the duty for the fifth time. Young has now received the nod for the second time in as many seasons.
Canales added that the team will also have a rotational captain during the year.
