Former Super Bowl Champion has Praise for Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers are entering the 2026 season with a lot of questions about their team. Despite winning the NFC South in 2025, they did so with an 8-9 record and earning it through the tiebreaker.

So there's good reason for some to not believe in this team. 

However, the Panthers have the chance to quiet the doubters and answer a lot of those questions that people may have for them. As of right now, the Panthers do have at least one believer in them from the national media. 

During a "status check" segment on "Good Morning Football" this week, former NFL player and Super Bowl Champion Willie Colon brought up the Panthers. He believes Carolina will "shock the world" this season. 

"Well, this may shock some people, but I'm in a relationship with the Carolina Panthers," Colon said. "This team last year, I think didn't earn enough respect of the league. I think a lot of people were still in question of who Bryce Young is. But he played better. The defense showed up. Led by Derrick Brown. You talk about the secondary with Jaycee Horn. The Carolina Panthers will shock the world this season."

Colon went on to explain how the Panthers went through some battles and almost beat the Rams. The experience they had last season should help them. 

"But I think this team, slowly year after year has started to climb the mountain," Colon said. "I think people are starting to look at them like 'are they good? Is Bryce Young for real?' I'm saying they are for real.  The Carolina Panthers are for real."

Colon is right about the Panthers' defense which has gotten better and better, led by Brown and Horn. They added key pieces with Devin Lloyd and pass rusher Jaelan Phillips as well. 

But the biggest reason for success or failure for the Panthers will come with quarterback Bryce Young. If he takes the next step in his development, the Panthers should be a good team and he will be able to answer any long term questions that anyone has for him and the future.