The Carolina Panthers concluded their training camp on August 27, 2026, with players and coaches noting a significant increase in team connection and physical play. Quarterback Bryce Young, now in his fourth camp with the Panthers, expressed confidence in the team’s mental and physical readiness for the upcoming season, highlighting their toughness and resilient mindset.
Head coach Dave Canales, in his third season, emphasized his motto of Do Right Longer, encouraging players to push through every play and outlast opponents. The team’s participation in the Hall of Fame Game extended their practice period, which Young believes helped them build the will to navigate the season’s challenges. Canales observed that this year’s squad is exceptionally physical, to the point where he had to ask players to reduce some collisions during practice, particularly in open-field situations.
To address the intensity, Canales facilitated a team meeting in mid-August where players collectively reviewed practice clips and voted on acceptable levels of physicality within the rules. This democratic approach aimed to clarify gray areas and foster player ownership. Derrick Brown noted a new level of team-wide accountability, extending beyond offensive and defensive lines, where players feel empowered to speak up when something is amiss.
Running back Chuba Hubbard, who has been advocating for a culture change since his 2021 arrival, observed that this camp marked a shift from merely building a foundation to actively processing and embodying a cohesive team dynamic. Hubbard, despite a hamstring injury that shortened his camp, remained actively involved, stating that this is the closest team he has been a part of, with players committed to playing for each other. Canales echoed these sentiments, remarking that in his two and a half years with the team, he has seen the most lingering and connecting among players in the building. This strong connection, Canales believes, will be crucial when games become challenging later in the season, allowing teammates to give more for one another.
