Carolina Panthers football is officially back. Friday was not only the first practice of training camp, but also a big party to kick off the season.

Carolina Panthers football is officially back. Friday was not only the first practice of training camp, but also a big party to kick off the season.

Cam Newton, Mike Tolbert, Michael Oher, Thomas Davis, Shaq Thompson & Roman Harper meet with the media on Friday before the team's first practice at training camp.

Cam Newton, Mike Tolbert, Michael Oher, Thomas Davis, Shaq Thompson & Roman Harper meet with the media on Friday before the team's first practice at training camp.

Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera’s 56-year-old brother Mickey Rivera passed away on Tuesday, after a two-year fight with pancreatic cancer.

Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera’s 56-year-old brother Mickey Rivera passed away on Tuesday, after a two-year fight with pancreatic cancer.

The 2015 pre-season is finally underway. The Panthers have reported for training camp down in Spartanburg.

The 2015 pre-season is finally underway. The Panthers have reported for training camp down in Spartanburg.

Panthers defensive end makes a strong prediction before camp begins.

Panthers' general manager Dave Gettleman says Stephen Hill's citation for possession of drug paraphernalia won't affect his chances of making the team.

Panthers' general manager Dave Gettleman says Stephen Hill's citation for possession of drug paraphernalia won't affect his chances of making the team.

In an exclusive interview, Panthers GM Dave Gettleman says last years run to the playoffs, fueled by seven rookie starters and their veteran mentors, was not a mirage.

In an exclusive interview, Panthers GM Dave Gettleman says last years run to the playoffs, fueled by seven rookie starters and their veteran mentors, was not a mirage.

Veteran equipment manager discusses behind the scene tasks to get Carolina Panthers ready for camp on Friday in Spartanburg.

Veteran equipment manager discusses behind the scene tasks to get Carolina Panthers ready for camp on Friday in Spartanburg.

WCCB Charlotte’s Kelli Bartik went one-on-one with Riverboat Ron as he enters his fifth season as the Panthers head coach.

WCCB Charlotte’s Kelli Bartik went one-on-one with Riverboat Ron as he enters his fifth season as the Panthers head coach.

Check out these pictures of the renovated Panthers suites.

It's the latest stop in Cam's 7 on 7 series

It's the latest stop in Cam's 7 on 7 series

Panthers' quarterback, Cam Newton, is learning the ways of Aussie Rules Football during a trip to Australia.

Panthers' quarterback, Cam Newton, is learning the ways of Aussie Rules Football during a trip to Australia.