Panthers receive NFC Championship rings
We’re proud to celebrate an amazing 2015 season, but we have our eyes on a bigger prize » https://t.co/wj9Pdxi1KQ pic.twitter.com/ABLJO3CME9
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) June 8, 2016
The Carolina Panthers received a glimmering, bittersweet prize Wednesday.
Carolina received its NFC Championship rings for winning the conference title game and advancing to Super Bowl 50. After posting a 15-1 season led by MVP Cam Newton, the Panthers lost 24-10 to the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl.
Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said that the rings will bring closure to last year's season.
"This team won 17 games, 14 consecutive, went undefeated at home, took home a third consecutive NFC South title and won an NFC championship, but we didn't close the deal," Rivera said via the team's official website. "Now we move on. The guys have been working hard during the offseason program and we know nothing is promised to us. Our first regular-season game is in 92 days and we have a lot of work to do before then."
The Panthers enter this season as a strong candidate to return to the Super Bowl and the consolation rings will serve as a reminder of what's at stake in 2016.