Panthers great Jonathan Stewart is an Anthony Richardson fan

Panthers all-time leading rusher Jonathan Stewart may have just hopped on the Anthony Richardson train.

If we’re taking a running tally of which 2023 quarterback prospect Carolina Panthers greats prefer, Anthony Richardson may have an early lead.

On Friday, former running back Jonathan Stewart seemingly cast his vote for who should be this year’s No. 1 overall selection. The franchise’s all-time leading rusher tweeted the following after Richardson’s pro day outing . . .

Now, perhaps Stewart is a fan of C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young and/or Will Levis as well. But if Richardson is indeed his favorite of the talented bunch, it wouldn’t be too difficult to see why.

Some of Stewart’s best ball came alongside quarterback Cam Newton—who has been a popular comp for the 6-foot-4, 244-pound dual-threat Richardson. Newton, in his dominant MVP run, led the Panthers to the organization’s most successful season back in 2015—a campaign that also saw Stewart earn his lone career Pro Bowl nod.

Likely joining Stewart on that train is future Hall of Fame linebacker Luke Kuechly. In an interview with The Morning Shift a few weeks ago, Kuechly said Richardson excites him given his similarities to Newton.

Stewart and Kuechly, however, probably shouldn’t make room for a couple of their other former teammates in Steve Smith Sr. and Thomas Davis. Smith Sr. seemed a bit cautious on Richardson being a long-term investment while Davis has already expressed his objection to the possibility.

And now, we have three more weeks to see if any more old friends enter chat.

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