FAITH & FAN CULTURE

4 Moves Panthers Should Consider Before Camp

As the Panthers prepare for training camp, there’s still time to make a few key roster moves. With a blend of young talent and new leadership, the right additions could set the tone for a competitive season. Here are five potential signings and trades the Panthers should consider before camp begins.

1. Sign Safety Justin Simmons

Justin Simmons is still available and would bring proven leadership and playmaking ability to the Panthers’ secondary. His experience and football IQ would provide immediate stability and help mentor younger defensive backs.

2. Sign Safety Julian Blackmon

Julian Blackmon is coming off a strong season with the Colts and offers versatility as both a deep safety and in-the-box defender. His athleticism and instincts would add much-needed depth and flexibility to the safety group.

3. Sign Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr.

Asante Samuel Jr. has shown he can be a difference-maker in coverage. Adding him to the Panthers’ cornerback group would give the defense another playmaker and help create more turnovers, especially against the pass-heavy offenses in the NFC South. I know he had an injury, but he could be a great depth piece with a high upside. Having him in rotation could be a great way to keep him healthy and still have high quality play when Horn or Jackson needs to take a play off to breathe.

4. Trade for Edge Trey Hendrickson (Bengals)

The Panthers could always use more pass rush, and Trey Hendrickson has been one of the league’s most productive edge rushers. If the Bengals are willing to give us a good price, Carolina should explore a trade to bring Hendrickson’s disruptive presence to our defensive front.

Conclusion

The Panthers have a chance to set the tone for the season with a few smart moves before camp. Adding proven talent and leadership on defense and in the trenches could make a real difference for this young team. No matter what happens next, I’ll keep praying for the health and safety of every player and for this team to come together on and off the field. Let’s see what decisions the front office makes as camp approaches—and keep believing for a strong year ahead.

🏈 Can Fan Superstition Become a Spiritual Snare?

Introduction
For years, I was the guy with the lucky jersey, the same pre-game meal, and a list of rituals I wouldn’t dare break on game day. If you’re a Carolina Panthers fan—or any sports fan—you probably know the drill. Superstitions are woven into the fabric of fandom. Most folks laugh them off as harmless quirks, just part of the fun. But as a Christian, I had to ask myself: at what point does superstition cross a line? When does it stop being a joke and start becoming a spiritual problem?

Superstition: More Than a Game-Day Habit
Superstition, at its core, is the belief that we can influence outcomes by what we do—or don’t do. It’s not just about socks or routines; it’s about trust. I used to believe my actions could shift the scoreboard. If I skipped a ritual, I felt like I was letting the team down. But underneath that was a subtle shift in focus: I was putting my faith in habits, not in God.

Scripture is clear on where our trust should lie:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

When rituals become our safety net, we risk moving our faith away from the Creator and toward created things—like routines, objects, or even ourselves.

Idolatry: When Fandom Becomes First
Being passionate about football isn’t a sin. God made us to enjoy life and community. But I had to confront a tough question: was my identity more tied to the Panthers than to Christ? Did a win or loss affect my mood, my relationships, or even my worship?

“You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)

If my priorities, emotions, or sense of self revolve more around my team than my Savior, that’s a warning sign. It’s easy to know every stat and roster move and still neglect time in prayer or Scripture. Idolatry isn’t always obvious; sometimes, it looks like harmless devotion.

Witchcraft: The Spiritual Risk of Rituals
This word might sound harsh, but Scripture draws a direct line between rebellion, manipulation, and witchcraft.

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” (1 Samuel 15:23)

Superstitions and rituals—no matter how innocent they seem—can become a way of trying to manipulate spiritual outcomes. Whether it’s a chant, a charm, or a “cursed” jersey, anything that tries to control what only God can control is a step onto dangerous ground. The Bible warns us not to open doors to deception, even if it’s “just for fun.”

My Journey: Trading Rituals for Righteousness
I didn’t come to this realization overnight. For years, I was caught up in the same patterns. But as my faith grew, I saw the conflict. I couldn’t keep praying for God’s will while clinging to superstitions that said my will—or my rituals—were what mattered. Letting go wasn’t easy. It meant surrendering control and trusting God, win or lose.

Christ Over Culture: Walking by Faith, Not by Luck
The world says to trust in luck, rituals, and routines. Christ calls us to something higher:
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21)

We can enjoy the game. We can cheer, celebrate, and even mourn a tough loss. But our hope isn’t in a scoreboard—it’s in a Savior. Our security isn’t in rituals—it’s in righteousness.

Conclusion: Let’s Keep Praying & Keep Pounding
Let’s be the fans who swap superstition for Scripture. Let’s root for our team, but root our lives in Christ. The world can keep their lucky charms. We have a faithful God who’s with us in every victory and every defeat.

Whether you’re in the stands, on the couch, or designing merch like I do, remember: our faith is bigger than football. Keep praying. Keep pounding. And let’s trust God with every outcome, on and off the field.

Keep praying. Keep pounding.

From Superstition to Surrender: My Journey as a Panthers Fan

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a Carolina Panthers fan. Like most diehard fans, I had my game day routines—certain clothes, a specific seat on the couch, even making sure my drink was in the “right” spot. I convinced myself these little rituals somehow helped the team. If I skipped them, I felt uneasy, like I was letting the Panthers down.

At first, it all seemed harmless. Superstitions are just part of sports, right? But as my faith grew, I started to realize something was off. I’d pray for the team and the players’ safety, but I was still clinging to rituals that made me feel in control. There was a disconnect between what I believed about God’s sovereignty and how I acted on Sundays.

The turning point came when I had to admit to myself: I have no control over the outcome of the game. No matter how tightly I held onto my routines, the scoreboard was never in my hands. That truth hit hard, but it was freeing.

So, I started doing something different. Whenever I felt the urge to fall back on a superstition—like needing my drink a certain way or in a certain location—I’d deliberately do the opposite. If I wanted to wear a “lucky” shirt, I’d pick another. If I felt the need to sit in my “winning” spot, I’d move to a different chair. It was my way of reminding myself that my faith is in God, not in rituals or routines.

Letting go of superstition wasn’t just about breaking habits. It was about surrender—acknowledging that God is in control, not me. It was about trading anxiety for trust and superstition for prayer. Now, instead of worrying about what I’m wearing or where my drink is, I focus on praying for the players, the coaches, and everyone involved in the game. I ask for safety, good sportsmanship, and the ability to enjoy the game for what it is—a gift.

If you’re a fan who’s wrestled with similar habits, I get it. The urge to control, even in small ways, is strong. But there’s real freedom in surrender. Letting go of superstition doesn’t make you less of a fan—it just puts your trust in the right place.

So next game day, if you catch yourself reaching for that “lucky” jersey or eyeing your favorite spot on the couch, try doing the opposite. Use the moment as a reminder: God’s got this, win or lose.

Keep praying. Keep pounding. And remember—our faith is bigger than football.