Panthers' 'Keep Pounding' drum makes cross-country trip to Super Bowl 50

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The Carolina Panthers Keep Pounding drum is headed to California for Super Bowl 50.

The drum, which has been an symbolic part of games at Bank of America Stadium, will be on the sidelines at Levi's Stadium Sunday.

Assistant defensive line coach Sam Mills III's was happy to hear that the drum was making the trip, the team reports.

https://twitter.com/Panthers/status/695667192654884864

The "Keep Pounding" mantra started back in 2003 when Sam Mills was stricken with cancer. The former Panthers linebacker and assistant coach told the team to "Keep Pounding" in an emotional speech that propelled the Panthers to the Super Bowl that year.

The drum first appeared on the sidelines in the 2012 season.

"That drum has come to signify the starting bell of a heavyweight fight. Every Sunday, we're in a heavyweight fight, and when someone hits that drum, it's time to go. We're locked in," Sam Mills III said.

Charlotte native Stephen Curry and Panthers owner Jerry Richardson were some of the most notable people who pounded the drum before home games this season.

Read more about the story on Panthers.com.

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