Panthers fans pay tribute to Jonathan Stewart after his retirement

The Jonathan Stewart era ended last year for the Panthers, but it wasn’t memorialized until today. After spending one last short and uneventful season with the Giants, Stewart came home to Carolina, signing a one-day deal to retire with the franchise that drafted him.

The Panthers held a short ceremony for Stewart on the field at Bank of America Stadium today. Christian McCaffrey presented Stewart with a framed jersey and he did some stretching with some of his other former teammates, including Cam Newton and Greg Olsen.

Thank you, @Jonathanstewar1 🙌 pic.twitter.com/wipTQIoRlv

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 23, 2019

Stewart’s physical style of running made him one of the team’s most popular players during his 10-year stint in Charlotte.

As you might expect, fans were in their feelings today paying tribute to the now-retired power back. Here’s a sample of what they’re saying on Twitter.

JStew was a dude who always represented the Panthers well on and off the field. He kept pounding through adversity and always ran hard. Thanks @Jonathanstewar1 for being a great Panther! Congrats on retirement. Does this mean we get more videos of you on the 🎹???

— Teppers Brass (@TeppersBrass) April 23, 2019

Jonathan Stewart. Congrats big guy @Jonathanstewar1 #KeepPounding You are a Carolina Panther forever #Panthers

— Steven Spencer (@onlyuspencer) April 23, 2019

So glad JStew retired a panther. Makes my heart feel good. That being said I will never forget this stiff arm on MNF against the bucs in 2008. pic.twitter.com/fk215ZSttA

— Silicon Red (@JamesKnowsDidly) April 23, 2019

Jonathan Stewart was a good RB.. had a great career and is retiring the right way… still healthy enough to enjoy his life.. kudos to him.. he’s a panther for life…

— x10 (@LenTen_x10) April 23, 2019

JStew retires as a Panther! 💙💙💙

— Amber (@amberella06) April 23, 2019

#JStew, you have always been an inspiration to me in your faith, your work ethic, and your attitude. You made me buy the only jersey I have that is not #89. Much love to you! Thank you for all you do for the people of Charlotte#jstewismymainsqueeze @Jonathanstewar1

— x – Sarah Smith Johnson (@sharahsharah91) April 23, 2019

Tbh my favorite play from Jonathan Stewart was when he opened up the divisional round playoff game against Seattle with a 59 yard run on the first play of the game. I was SO lit

— ëvāN (@ThatPanthersGuy) April 23, 2019

Congratulations to Jonathan Stewart on his retirement. YoI had a great career in both college and the NFL. Us DUCKS fans are so proud of you.🦆🦆🦆💛💚💛💚

— 🎃DUCK🦆 (@JoshuaBlount5) April 23, 2019

This never gets old #JSTEW #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/6bDnySfV6N

— Brady ⚾️ (@ncbrady12) April 23, 2019

Just heard the news about #JStew thanks for all you did for the Panthers big man! @Jonathanstewar1

— Laquarious Dondarious (@JTiZZie22) April 23, 2019

Jonathan Stewart is arguable the best running back Panthers haver ever had, CMC is gonna be right up there though. #ThankYou28

— Queen City Rock Life (@RockMetalLife90) April 23, 2019

Sad to say one of our best RBs we had is retiring will always remember the greatness he bought to our team @Jonathanstewar1 much love JStew!!

— Lil Escobar (@Chief_Raldo) April 23, 2019

Welcome home #jstew Yea, it’s a million dollar business, but treating players like family goes a long ways! @Panthers

— Merry A. Patterson (@patterson_merry) April 23, 2019

So stoked for JStew to retire a Panther! We love you, man #KeepPounding

— Mx. Sama King (@mxsamaking) April 23, 2019

Great job retiring JStew as a Panther. @Panthers. Now do Smitty. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 #KeepPounding

— Kate McCrea #KeepPounding UNCG Media Studies Major (@kate_mccrea) April 23, 2019

Stewart goes out on top as Carolina’s all-time leading rusher with 7,318 yards.