As the Carolina Panthers prepare for their 2026 season opener against the Chicago Bears, a fan community is counting down the days by highlighting the top 100 players in team history. With nine days remaining until the September 14 game, former quarterback Jake Delhomme has been named the ninth-greatest Panther of all time.
Delhomme’s journey to becoming an NFL starting quarterback was unexpected. He played college football at Southwestern Louisiana, now known as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he was a standout passer. Despite a decorated college career, he went undrafted and signed with the New Orleans Saints, spending several years on their practice squad and in NFL Europe.
In 2003, Delhomme joined the Carolina Panthers, who had finished the previous season with a 7-9 record. He took over as the starting quarterback early in the season and led the team to a surprise Super Bowl appearance. During that season, he orchestrated five fourth-quarter comebacks and seven game-winning drives in the regular season, adding another game-winning drive in the playoffs. He is also credited with throwing the longest pass in Super Bowl history during that championship game, though the Panthers ultimately fell short.
Known for his aggressive playing style and ability to perform under pressure, Delhomme earned a Pro Bowl nomination in 2005, leading the Panthers to an 11-5 record. His career later saw a decline after an elbow injury in 2007 required Tommy John surgery. Despite a brief return to form in 2008, his performance waned, leading to his departure from Carolina. He later had brief stints with the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans before retiring.
Delhomme has maintained a strong connection to the Panthers organization, serving as a color commentator for their radio broadcasts. His continued affiliation and impact on the team’s history solidify his place among the franchise’s most beloved figures, a sentiment shared by many Aiken residents who follow the regional NFL team.
