The Carolina Panthers defense has consistently performed admirably over the years. They have benefited from the contributions of several outstanding players.
The Panthers have produced five of the all-time greatest defensive players in the league, as listed below.
1. Julius Peppers
With his quickness and excellent hands, Peppers revolutionized the defensive end position. For several seasons in the NFC South, he put quarterbacks through a lot of pain. Peppers led the squad in sacks (97) and caused fumbles (more than 30) during his time with the team. He finished his career with 159.5 sacks, good for fourth all-time in the NFL. In addition, Peppers ranks second all-time in sacks.
2. Luke Kuechly
Luke Kuechly was the league’s top tackler twice and is now 83rd all-time in that category. A six-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro, Kuechly has proven himself throughout the course of his illustrious career. Since he was selected ninth overall in the 2012 NFL Draft, Luke Kuechly has been with the Carolina Panthers his entire eight-year career. In his first season, Kuechly set a career-best for tackles in the NFL with 164.
3. Thomas Davis
Thomas Davis is the Panthers’ all-time leader in games played on defense. Davis has over 1,110 tackles, 18 forced fumbles, and 87 tackles for loss in 13 seasons with the club. Davis notched his second-best season tackle total of 14 with an interception that set up DeAngelo Williams for a 43-yard touchdown run late in the first half.
4. Kris Jenkins
For the following seven seasons, Kris Jenkins was an integral part of the team’s midfield. Jenkins was a first-team All-Pro and a member of the Pro Bowl in only his second season on the gridiron. His defensive prowess made him one of the greatest defensive tackles of all time.
5. Kevin Greene
Greene’s time with the Panthers was brief, but he made an impact during his time there. He had a total of 41.5 sacks over that time frame, and was a major contributor to the 1996 squad that advanced to the NFC Championship game. Carolina won two Super Bowls with Greene, and he was once voted an All-Pro. In terms of career sacks, he’s tied for seventh all-time.
