CHARLOTTE – Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. will serve as the honorary Keep Pounding drummer before Thursday night's game aginst the Saints at Bank of America Stadium.
Edwards, a native of Newberry, S.C., recorded the first two outs in the 10th inning of Chicago's series-clinching victory over the Cleveland Indians.
"I'm humbled yet very excited for the opportunity to be the Keep Pounding drummer," Edwards said. "Growing up in the Carolinas, I've always watched the Panthers and I was a big fan of the late Sam Mills and his never-give-up attitude and complete dedication to his teammates. It was that same 'keep pounding' spirit that helped us come back from a 3-1 deficit and bring the World Series trophy to Chicago for our fans."
Edwards posted a 3.75 ERA and 52 strikeouts and two saves in 36 innings pitched during the 2016 season.
Braheam Murphy
Local high school football QB and state champion
Julius Peppers
Panthers all-time sack leader
2017 Panthers Fan of the Year
U.S. military member in honor of Salute to Service
Former Panthers safety (1997-06)
Cancer survivors as part of Crucial Catch initiative
Member of Fuel Up to Play60 Leadership Team
Members of the USC and UNC women's and men's national championship basketball teams
Founder of 'Mitey Riders' therapeutic riding program
Panthers alumni defensive end (1995-97)
Panthers defensive end
NASCAR champion crew chief
Pitcher for the World Series champion Chicago Cubs
Salute to Service honoree
Charlotte Hornets guard
Breast Cancer Awareness Month honoree
Gold medalist at the 2016 Summer Olympics in the 4x100m freestyle relay, North Carolina State swimmer
2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, Panthers alumni linebacker (1996, 1998-99)
2016 NCAA Division I National Champions, including head coach Gary Gilmore, pitcher Andrew Beckwith, pitcher Mike Morrison and outfielder Anthony Marks.
Panthers alumni linebacker (2005-06)
Panthers Owner/Founder
Panthers wide receivers coach, member of Super Bowl XXXVIII team
Panthers running back
Father and son professional golfers who attended Wake Forest
2015 USA Women's World Cup champion team members
Salute to Service honoree
Medal of Honor recipient
Breast Cancer Awareness Month honoree
Make-A-Wish child
2015 NBA MVP, Charlotte native and Davidson College alumnus
Panthers alumni offensive guard (2001-03)
Oldest women to ever complete a marathon at 92 years old
Panthers 2014 Ed Block Courage Award winner
Make-A-Wish child
NASCAR champion
Salute to Service honoree and Medal of Honor recipient
Inspiration for the movie "23 Blast"
Panthers alumni wide receiver (1995-98)
Breast Cancer Awareness Month honoree
Hispanic Heritage Month honoree
Panthers alumni offensive tackle (2003-13)
Make-A-Wish child
Panthers alumni wide receiver (1995-98)
Children of former Panthers linebacker and coach Sam Mills
2013 NFL Man of the Year nominee
Make-A-Wish parents of Hope Stout
Play 60 ambassador
Salute to Service honoree, recipient of Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart
Panthers alumni quarterback (2003-09)
Breast Cancer Awareness Month honoree, mother of Greg Olsen
Panthers alumni wide receiver (1996-2004, 2008-09)
Charlotte 49ers head football coach
Boston Marathon bombing survivors
Panthers alumni quarterback (1996-2000)
