Carolina quarterback Cam Newton, a Westlake High graduate from College Park, is still active in the Atlanta community.

His foundation sponsored the banquet for the Frank Ski Youth Bowl recently and he appeared via Skype to address the players and their families.

Other connections include:

  • Panthers defensive end Eric Norwood played at North Cobb High.
  • Falcons defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder coached Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson during his freshman season at Georgia.
  • Falcons assistant offensive line coach Paul Dunn coached Panthers offensive tackle Jeff Otah at Pittsburgh in 2007.
  • Panthers running backs coach John Settle played four seasons for the Falcons from 1987-90.
  • Panthers linebacker coach Warren Belin coached Falcons rookie linebacker Akeem Dent during his senior season at Georgia.
  • Panthers punter Jason Baker and Falcons defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux were teammates at Iowa in 2000.
  • Panthers safety Sherrod Martin attended Griffin High.
  • Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson and Panthers guard Travelle Wharton were teammates at South Carolina from 2000-03.
  • Falcons left tackle Sam Baker, Panthers center Ryan Kalil and linebacker Thomas Williams were teammates at USC.