Carolina Panthers name 2018 captains with shocking omission

Carolina Panthers name 2018 captains with a surprise pick and shocking omission.

As the Carolina Panthers prepare to host Dallas for a Week 1 home game there was a bit of unfinished business in need of attention. Prior to every regular season each NFL team elects a certain number of captains which are viewed as the leadership of a team, especially on the field and in the locker room.

Traditionally between four and six different individuals are selected via a vote of their teammates and coaches recommendations, in order to determine those who will be recognized. These players are then given a special “C” patch to wear on their jersey’s throughout the season distinguishing them from others on the field.

Over the past few seasons there has been little doubt as to who would represent Carolina and while no changes were expected this season, there is the issue of veteran linebacker Thomas Davis being suspended for the first four games of the season.

Davis, the longest tenured captain with seven consecutive years in a leadership role, has not been announced to represent the Panthers this season – at least initially. There are a few reasons behind not granting Davis a captain designation just yet but he could be wearing a “C” patch when his suspension is lifted.

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Last year, defensive end Julius Peppers wasn’t initially recognized as a captain after rejoining Carolina but by midseason had earned the designation. It is not uncommon even for some teams to change captains on a week to week basis with only a select few chosen to represent a team throughout the entire season.

Historically, coach Ron Rivera has let his players select a group to lead from the beginning but as evidenced by the Peppers midyear promotion, it would not be unheard of for Davis to be given the distinction once he is eligible to return.

Entering his fourteenth NFL season, all with the Panthers, Davis has earned his captain designation – suspension or not.

The surprise election was safety Colin Jones, picked as a representative for the special teams due to his significant role on nearly every kickoff, punt and field goal. Jones is serving in his first season as a captain and is also the first special teams representative since Rivera’s second year leading the Panthers.

Joining Jones are the more familiar faces of quarterback Cam Newton, center Ryan Kalil and tight end Greg Olsen. Newton and Kalil are each serving in their sixth consecutive year as Olsen will be entering his fifth.

Rounding out the group are defensive selections, linebacker Luke Kuechly and Peppers. Kuechly enjoys the distinction for his sixth year as well, while Peppers will be entering year two since his return.

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Hopefully, Davis joins them all once he is eligible to participate.

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