Derrick Brown reveals what’s driving the Panthers’ rise under Dave Canales

Derrick Brown has seen a lot of ups and downs since being drafted by the Carolina Panthers at No. 7 overall in 2020. Now, the future looks bright, and the Pro Bowl defensive lineman isn't taking anything for granted.

The Panthers are 3-2 after two straight wins. They are coming off a campaign where they won the NFC South and hosted a playoff game for the first time in a decade. The mood around the franchise has completely shifted, and Brown believes the team's improved culture under head coach Dave Canales is a major reason why.

Canales had a big job on his hands, but he was confident.

Derrick Brown credits collective purpose for Carolina Panthers' resurgence

The coach was eager for people to start looking at the Panthers differently. Canales was a beacon of positivity, keeping everyone motivated when things weren't going well and staying level-headed when momentum built.

It's received a positive response from the players. They have all bought in, and Brown has been on hand to spearhead this renaissance.

During a special interview with Cat Crave, Brown noted how things have changed for the better. This centers on enthusiasm, collective purpose, and the improved personnel challenging each other to be better every day.

"I'm just excited to get to work every day. It's a real brotherhood, and iron sharpens iron. We're excited about where we are going. I'm not thinking too far ahead. We're just taking things one game at a time and seeing where it takes us."

Brown went through many dark days early in his Panthers journey. The team was going nowhere under Matt Rhule. Frank Reich didn't last long, and Steve Wilks didn't get the head-coaching gig full-time despite galvanizing the troops.

Derrick Brown is taking nothing for granted as Carolina Panthers' hype grows

Now, things have changed.

The Panthers are respected again, and analysts are tipping them to be a team to watch this season. That doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things, but as Brown said, it's just about taking things step by step and letting the chips fall where they may after that.

Carolina has worked hard to reach this point. It's taken time, but this was always going to be a gradual rebuild under Canales and general manager Dan Morgan.

The pieces have now come together. Brown knows it, and his leadership in the locker room is just as important as his exceptional production on the field.

"Just trying to lead. We've got a lot of young guys. We know what we can achieve as a group, and we're just trying to get better every day."

There is no complacency. There is no reveling in their newfound adulation.

Instead, the Panthers are sticking to the principles that got them this far.

And if Brown has anything to say about it, this trend will continue long into the future.

Cat Crave spoke with Derrick Brown to promote his work with USAA's "Tackles for Teen Driver Safety," an event to champion safe driving in the Carolinas timed to National Teen Driver Safety Week.

USAA, the Official Salute to Service Partner of the Carolina Panthers and NFL, and Derrick Brown are highlighting the importance of protecting the community through safe driving. To help raise awareness and arm parents with tips for instilling safe driving habits, Brown joined USAA and the Charlotte Fire Department to participate in a Jaws of Life demonstration.

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