MUNICH, Germany — There was a split second when it seemed everything was about to go horribly wrong.
Steve Smith, legendary Carolina Panthers receiver and Hall of Honor member, was attempting to drive a rickshaw through the cobblestone streets of Munich while toting another legendary Panther Luke Kuechly, when he careened the cart toward a fruit stand.
Exhibiting the same quickness that made him the Panthers career receiving leader, Smith stopped the rickshaw on a dime, saving himself, Kuechly and any unsuspecting Munich citizens who happened to be in his path. Not to mention all the fruit.
After another split second to confirm everyone was good, Smith's laughter bounced off the high stone walls and turrets encircling the plaza in downtown Munich.
"He's OK," Smith chirped.
It's all just part of the experience as the Panthers took over Southern Germany for the NFL's International Series. Smith, Kuechly, Julius Peppers, Thomas Davis and Jon Beason as well as owners Dave and Nicole Tepper and team president Kristi Coleman helped kick things off on Friday. The group tapped a keg at a local pub, led patrons in a "Keep Pounding" cheer and even recorded a podcast live from another local plaza.
A packed house welcomed the legends to Augustiner Stammhaus, creating an impromptu pep rally. Peppers, Smith and Kuechly stopped every few feet as local Munich fans and those who traveled from afar donning their jerseys asked for pictures, shared favorite memories and attempted to (unsuccessfully) teach German phrases.
Simply having the group together called for swapping stories, like when Beason reminded Peppers what it was like zip-lining in the jungle or falling back into rememberances that will stand the test of time, such as Kuechly and Davis trading punches like two brothers back in their mom's living room.
The fact the dynamic was on display for hundreds of fans on a Friday afternoon in Munich, Germany was a testament to the inroads the Panthers have made in Germany, establishing a loyal fan base ahead of the club's first home game on Sunday.
And for those that are still looking for a team as the NFL continues to expand in Europe, coach Dave Canales offered an impassioned speech as to why they should choose the Panthers.
"It's just a team that's coming together and finding an identity and I think that a lot of people can resonate with that," Canales began. "Starting where we started and the challenges that we face this season, it really truly is a good story that I love to be a part of. To build something to be proud of and to stay with it, you know, and with that "Keep Pounding" mentality and that's what we say in Charlotte, it's an encouragement to all of us that we just Keep Pounding…
"And with that mentality that this thing is going to take us everything we have, for as long as it takes, we're committed to it, we're committed to continue to grow and play a brand of football that we're proud of."
It's a mentality that Canales hopes not only resonates with potential fans, but also his own team. Sunday's setting will be on an international stage, the only game on at the time for all the world to see and with all the fanfare such an event deserves.
It's a situation that feels slightly incongruous with the Panthers current 2-7 record, but Canales wants to shape a mindset now, to set up his team for future success.
"I try to just make it about the football because I don't really want to ever be in a position where we have to elevate more than what we're already doing for a specific game," Canales said. "I want the guys to be up every game, and I don't want to make division games more special than others.
"Because my dream of all dreams someday, and I know this sounds crazy because of our current record and position where we're at, but my dream of all dreams is that we're playing high stakes games, and it feels like another game. It's so important, but it's no different and that's the mentality I try to build in with the guys."
Before those games come though, the Panthers must take care of Sunday, against the 2-7 Giants.
"A Panther for life"
When Chuba Hubbard told reporters this week, both in Charlotte and Germany that he wants "to be a Panther for life and I'm going to do my best to do that," it alluded to a life far beyond this year. The Panthers gave Hubbard a four-year extension this week, keeping him here through at least 2028.
But when Hubbard said for life, he was also referring to all the years leading to this moment; even before he was drafted in the fourth-round by the club in 2021.
"I dreamed of it," Hubbard shared Friday in Munich. "When I was younger, I was a big Cam Newton fan. When he first came to the Carolinas, he had his like cleats and stuff. I would beg my mom for the Cam Newtons. And I wasn't a good quarterback, I don't have a good arm or anything like that, so I had to stay with running back.
"But it was crazy just how time flies and things pan out and, you know, I'm here now in the Carolinas and I really couldn't ask for more. I really can't put words to it. I'm blessed to be here. I wouldn't want it to be any other way.
Some help in the secondary
The Giants can stretch the field with receiver Malik Nabers. But the Panthers are hopeful they'll get a starting piece back in the secondary to help with such assignments.
Canales told reporters on Friday that, "Jordan Fuller had a solid week."
Fuller was starting at safety alongside Xavier Woods before suffering a hamstring injury in Week 3 and has not played since. In his three starts, he had 15 tackles. In his stead, the Panthers turned to Nick Scott, before he suffered an injury as well, and then rookie Demani Richardson.
Fuller's possible return would give the Panthers some experience back in the secondary. Now it's a matter of roster management, according to Canales.
"Anytime we want to bring guys back on (the 53-man roster) that means somebody's got to go down or be inactive, that's been helping us. So, another critical decision for us with Jordan."
Canales also said there is a "possibility" rookie running back Jonathan Brooks and outside linebacker DJ Wonnum play on Sunday. It would be the first action for either due to an ACL injury and quadriceps respectively.
