Are the Carolina Panthers going completely dark in Week 15?
Prior to the start of Wednesday’s practice, punter Johnny Hekker may have hinted towards the 2023 debut of the team’s popular black helmets. Darin Gantt of Panthers.com was right on hand with the potential scoop:
Eyeball emoji. pic.twitter.com/hiF0yUbu56
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) December 13, 2023
Carolina introduced the black caps last July, along with the accompanying black jersey and pants. The slick alternate uniform received rave reviews, from both fans and players alike.
The look came to life in Week 10 of the 2022, when the Panthers hosted the Atlanta Falcons for a Thursday night showdown. Apparently, the cats were looking and feeling good—as they ran over their NFC South foes en route to a 25-15 victory.
Hekker’s hint may not be just smoke, or a case of grabbing the wrong helmet on the way to the practice field. Not only are the Panthers slated to wear black tops for Sunday’s clash with the Falcons, but ESPN’s David Newton later nabbed this shot of running back Raheem Blackshear:
The Panthers are wearing the black helmets Sunday against the Falcons. They last wore them last season in a Thursday night game against Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/0s6i1TiuFs
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) December 13, 2023
