Cam Newton and Ron Rivera joined the Panthers at the same time, ushering in a new era that included Carolina's second Super Bowl appearance.
On Tuesday afternoon, Panthers owner David Tepper fired Rivera, and the injured Newton responded in an Instagram story later in the evening.
"Will be forever grateful because of the impact you had on my life," Newton wrote above a photo of Rivera. "Thank you for giving me an opportunity. ... This one hurt deep."
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Newton may not be long for Carolina, either. The 30-year-old QB attempted to play through a foot injury suffered in preseason but worsened the injury Week 2, eventually electing to have season-ending surgery. He's played 16 games just one of the past four years and is owed more than $20M next season, the final year of a five-year contract.
The Panthers have lost their past four games, dropping their overall record to 5-7.