2025 Season Opener Countdown: 77 Days To Go

We’re counting down the days until the Panthers open up the 2025 season!

There are 77 days left until the first game of the season for the Carolina Panthers. That means today’s countdown piece features veteran offensive lineman Yosh Nijman.

Nijman is entering the second year of a two year deal he signed with the Panthers in the 2024 offseason. Prior to that, he spent four years as a rotational lineman with the Green Bay Packers after signing on with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Nijman played in all but one game last season, starting three, but largely playing in a reserve and special teams role. That appears to be what he’s destined for again this season barring a string of injuries along the offensive line.

Prior to Nijman, the number 77 was worn by several notable Panthers. The most recent of those is Kyle Love, who sported the double sevens from 2016 to 2019, and I think most Panthers fans were cool with him.

From 2011 to 2014, 77 was on the jersey of Byron Bell, who was a popular scapegoat among Panthers fans during most of his time in Carolina. He quickly ascended from undrafted free agent to starter and, despite many struggles, seemed to only gain more trust from the Panthers’ front office and coaching staff along the way.

The most notable Panthers 77 wore the jersey from 2001 to 2007 and made three pro bowls during that time. Kris Jenkins is undoubtedly the best player to wear the number for the organization. He was a dominant and physically imposing force on the interior of the defensive line, and the lucky 7s only added to the intimidation factor.