Carolina Panthers Best Players of All Time

John Rizzo

The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League as part of its NFC South division. Established in 1995, the Panthers have called Bank of America Stadium their home field since 1996 and has been owned by Jerry Richardson since its inception. The franchise is one of three NFL teams based out of North Carolina with two Super Bowl appearances under their belt from 2003 and 2015. Throughout its history, the Panthers organization has prided itself on having an excellent fan base with passionate supporters both locally and nationwide. With Hall-of-Famers like Steve Smith Sr., Julius Peppers, Mike Minter, Sam Mills and Kevin Greene among others representing them proudly throughout time; it’s no surprise why they’ve become one of the most beloved franchises today.

Table of Contents

1. Christian McCaffrey

Running back

Christian McCaffrey Career

  • First-team All-Pro (2019)
  • Second-team All-Pro (2018)
  • Pro Bowl (2019)
  • Paul Hornung Award (2015)
  • Jet Award (2015)
  • Football Academic All-America of the Year (2016)
  • AP College Football Player of the Year (2015)
  • Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year (2015)
  • Consensus All-American (2015)
  • 2× First-team All-Pac-12 (2015, 2016)

Christian McCaffrey is a running back for the San Francisco 49ers. He was drafted eighth overall in the 2017 NFL Draft and has since become an integral part of the team.

In 2019, McCaffrey was named first-team All-Pro and second-team All-Pro, both honors being his second consecutive season on either list. Christian McCaffrey attended Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and played college football at Stanford before entering the NFL Draft.

McCaffrey has been incredibly successful in his short career so far - he’s won two Pro Bowls and been selected to three all-pro teams (including one first team). Christian McCaffrey is a running back from Stanford who was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

He has been named to two Pro Bowls and one Super Bowl, and he led the league in rushing yards in 2016 with 1,845 yards on 322 carries. McCaffrey also had 92 receptions for 963 yards and seven touchdowns, making him one of the most versatile players in all of football. 

His combination of speed, elusiveness, strength, and receiving ability make him virtually unstoppable when it comes to breaking away from defenders or catching passes out of the backfield.

With his natural gifts as a runner and receiver alike, McCaffrey will be an important part of any team he plays for going forward.

2. Cam Newton

Quarterback

Cam Newton Career

  • NFL Most Valuable Player (2015)
  • NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2015)
  • NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2011)
  • First-team All-Pro (2015)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (2011, 2013, 2015)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2011)
  • Bert Bell Award (2015)
  • 2× BCS national champion (2008, 2010)
  • NJCAA national football champion (2009)
  • Heisman Trophy (2010)
  • Maxwell Award (2010)
  • Walter Camp Award (2010)
  • Manning Award (2010)
  • Davey O'Brien Award (2010)
  • AP College Football Player of the Year (2010)
  • Sporting News College Player of the Year (2010)
  • Consensus All-American (2010)
  • SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2010)
  • First-team All-SEC (2010)

Cam Newton is a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time BCS national champion. He was drafted first overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2011, and led them to the Super Bowl that year.

In 2020 he moved to the New England Patriots, where he continued his success before retiring at the end of the 2019 season. Cam Newton is a quarterback who was drafted first overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2010 NFL draft.

He has set numerous records and won many awards during his career, including two MVPs and five Super Bowls. In 2018, Cam Newton suffered an injury that ended his season prematurely; he is expected to return for the 2020 season.

3. Steve Smith Sr.

Wide receiver

Steve Smith Sr. Career

  • NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2005)
  • 2× First-team All-Pro (2001, 2005)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (2008, 2011)
  • 5× Pro Bowl (2001, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011)
  • NFL receptions co-leader (2005)
  • NFL receiving yards leader (2005)
  • NFL receiving touchdowns co-leader (2005)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2001)
  • Carolina Panthers Hall of Honor
  • First-team All-Mountain West (1999)
  • Second-team All-Mountain West (2000)

Smith was a highly-talented wide receiver and return specialist in the NFL. He started his career with the Carolina Panthers, before moving on to Baltimore Ravens later in his career.

Smith is widely regarded as one of the best receivers in NFL history, and he has twice been named to first-team All-Pro honors. He retired from football at the end of the 2016 season after 17 seasons with three different teams.

Steve Smith Sr. was a five-time Pro Bowler who led the NFL in receptions twice and receiving yards once. He is also one of only two players to ever lead the league in both receptions and receiving touchdowns simultaneously, along with Marvin Harrison.

Steve Smith Sr.'s most productive years came during his time as a Panther, where he helped Carolina reach three straight NFC Championship Games (2005-2007). 

After leaving Charlotte following the 2007 season, Smith spent four seasons with Baltimore before signing with San Francisco prior to the 2016 season.

In 12 seasons in the NFL, Steve Smith Sr has tallied more than 1,000 combined receptions, yards, and touchdowns - an impressive feat for any player.

4. D. J. Moore

Wide receiver

D. J. Moore Career

  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2018)
  • Richter–Howard Receiver of the Year (2017)
  • First-team All-Big Ten (2017)

D. J. Moore was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2018, and he has since been an important player for the team. Moore is a wide receiver who can do a lot of different things on the field, which makes him very versatile.

He has had success at both Maryland and in the NFL so far, and he looks to continue this trend in future seasons too. Moore is known for his speed and agility on the field, which helps him make huge catches all over the place.

He is also great at running routes and setting up teammates with big plays downfield – making him an essential part of any offense. D.J. Moore finished his career at Penn State as the all-time leading receiver in school history, amassing 357 receptions for 5,074 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Moore was a First-team All-Big Ten selection as a senior in 2017 after recording 74 catches for 1,086 yards and six scores on the season. 

The 6'1", 201-pounder was selected by the Detroit Lions with the No. 116 overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft and made his professional debut in Week One against Arizona en route to appearing in 11 games and totaling four receptions for 43 yards before being placed on injured reserve earlier this year due to an ankle injury he sustained during OTAs.

Moore is currently rehabbing from surgery to repair his ankle while also working out privately with quarterback Drew Stanton in hopes of returning to football competition sometime next season.

5. Luke Kuechly

Linebacker

Luke Kuechly Career

  • NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2013)
  • NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2012)
  • 5× First-team All-Pro (2013–2015, 2017, 2018)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (2016, 2019)
  • 7× Pro Bowl (2013–2019)
  • 2× NFL tackles leader (2012, 2014)
  • NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
  • 3× Butkus Award (pro) (2014, 2015, 2017)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2012)
  • Art Rooney Award (2017)
  • Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2011)
  • Lombardi Award (2011)
  • Lott Trophy (2011)
  • Butkus Award (college) (2011)
  • Jack Lambert Trophy (2011)
  • ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2011)
  • ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year (2009)
  • 2× Consensus All-American (2010, 2011)
  • 3× First-team All-ACC (2009–2011)
  • Boston College Eagles Jersey No. 40 retired

Luke Kuechly was an All-American linebacker at Boston College and was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He has been a three-time Butkus Award winner (given to college football's best linebacker) and two-time Defensive Player of the Year.

In 2019, he announced his retirement from professional football after 11 seasons with the Panthers. Luke Kuechly is a three-time first team All-American and two time consensus. He was drafted eleventh overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2012 and has since become one of the best defenders in the NFL.

In 2017, he won his fifth career Bronko Nagurski Trophy as well as his second Art Rooney Award making him only the third player ever to win both awards. Luke Kuechly is also a member of multiple Pro Bowl teams and was recently named AP Defensive Player of The Year for 2017.

6. Julius Peppers

Defensive end

Julius Peppers Career

  • NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2002)
  • 3× First-team All-Pro (2004, 2006, 2010)
  • 3× Second-team All-Pro (2008, 2009, 2012)
  • 9× Pro Bowl (2004–2006, 2008–2012, 2015)
  • NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2002)
  • 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
  • Chuck Bednarik Award (2001)
  • Lombardi Award (2001)
  • Bill Willis Trophy (2001)
  • Unanimous All-American (2001)
  • 2× First-team All-ACC (2000, 2001)
  • North Carolina Tar Heels Jersey No. 49 honored
  • North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame (2021)

Julius Peppers is a two-time First-team All-Pro and three-time Second Team All-Pro defensive end who played for the Carolina Panthers from 2002 to 2009, Chicago Bears from 2010 to 2013, Green Bay Packers from 2014 to 2016 and again with the Carolina Panthers in 2017.

He was born on January 18th, 1980 in Wilson, North Carolina U.S., stands at 6'7" inches tall, and weighs 295 lbs which makes him one of the biggest players in the NFL today. 

Julius has had an accomplished career as a player both on offense and defense accumulating 9 Pro Bowls along with 3 Defensive Rookie of The Year Awards (2002).

His standout years came during his time playing for Carolina where he helped lead them to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance against the Denver Broncos in 2006 but they were defeated 42–10 by Peyton Manning's team that season. 

After leaving Carolina following their Superbowl lossPeppers joined Chicago where he teamed up with future Hall Of Famers Brian Urlacher and Urlacher's former teammate. Tom Brady to form one of the most fearsome defenses in NFL history before departing. 

Julius Peppers was a dominant defensive player in the NFL for many years. He is best known for his sacks and pass deflections, but he also made an impact on defense as a whole. 

Julius Peppers has been nominated for several awards over the years, including two Pro Bowls and one Lombardi Award. Julius Peppers retired from the NFL in 2017 after playing with the Carolina Panthers for 14 seasons.

7. Thomas Davis Sr.

Outside linebacker

Thomas Davis Sr. Career

  • Walter Payton Man of the Year (2014)
  • First-team All-Pro (2015)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (2015–2017)
  • Bart Starr Award (2016)
  • Consensus All-American (2004)
  • First-team All-SEC (2004)
  • Second-team All-SEC (2003)

Thomas Davis Sr. played linebacker for the Carolina Panthers from 2005 to 2018 before signing with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019. He was a first-team All-Pro selection twice (2008, 2009) and was also named to three Pro Bowls during his career.

In 2020, Davis signed with the Washington Football Team and is now entering his tenth season in the NFL. Thomas Davis Sr. was a dominant defensive player in the NFL for over a decade, winning three Pro Bowls and being named First-team All-Pro twice.

He is also renowned for his athleticism and toughness, making him one of the most feared players on either side of the ball. After retiring from playing football, Davis became an influential voice in sports media and continues to help shape young athletes' careers today.

8. Jake Delhomme

Quarterback

Jake Delhomme Career

  • New Orleans Saints (1997–2002)
  • Amsterdam Admirals (1998)
  • Frankfurt Galaxy (1999)
  • Carolina Panthers (2003–2009)
  • Cleveland Browns (2010)
  • Houston Texans (2011)

Jake Delhomme is a former NFL quarterback who played for the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, and Houston Texans. Jake Delhomme was born on January 10th, 1975 in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, and attended Lafayette High School.

After graduating from high school, Delhomme went on to play football at Southwestern Louisiana University where he started 36 games over three seasons. 

The New Orleans Saints selected Delhomme in the seventh round of the 1997 NFL Draft and he spent four years with them before being traded to the Amsterdam Admirals of the Dutch League in 1998.

In 1999, Jake signed with the Frankfurt Galaxy of Germany's Deutsche Football League (DFL) where he led his team to two league championships over two seasons before returning to North America and joining the Carolina Panthers in 2003.

Over eight seasons with Carolina, Jake threw for 25 touchdowns against only 11 interceptions while leading his team to five playoff appearances including their first-ever trip to Super Bowl XXXVIII where they were beaten by Seattle Seahawks 24–7.

Following an unsuccessful stint with Cleveland followed by one season with Houston, Jake retired from professional football after playing for Baton Rouge RiverBears in 2019. Jake Delhomme was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft.

He began his career as a backup to quarterback Chris Weinke, but earned starter's status later in his rookie year. In 2005, he led the Panthers to their first-ever Pro Bowl appearance and also won World Bowl MVP honors that season.

Following several successful seasons with Carolina, Delhomme signed with Jacksonville Jaguars in 2008 where he played until 2013 when he retired from playing football altogether due to an injury sustained during preseason play for New Orleans Saints. 

Jake is now working as an analyst for ESPN and Fox Sports 1 covering both NFL and college football games respectively.

9. Robbie Anderson

Wide receiver

Robbie Anderson Career

  • New York Jets (2016–2019)
  • Carolina Panthers (2020–2022)
  • Arizona Cardinals (2022–present)

Robbie Anderson was born on May 9, 1993, in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. He attended South Plantation High School before enrolling at Temple University in 2011.

Robbie made his NFL debut with the New York Jets in 2016 and played for the Carolina Panthers from 2020-2022. In 2018 he led the NFL with 1,524 receiving yards and scored 10 touchdowns on 99 receptions.

Robbie is married to model Courtney Stodden and they have one child together - daughter Lincoln Rose (born October 16th, 2019). Robbie Anderson is a wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals. He was drafted by the Cardinals in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Anderson has played in 39 games over four seasons with Arizona, recording 374 receptions for 4,943 yards and 29 touchdowns. In 2018 he led all NFC receivers with 1,101 receiving yards and 10 touchdown catches while also catching 14 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns during the playoffs.

Anderson is considered one of the most dangerous deep threats in the league and his speed makes him an extremely difficult cover player.

10. Derrick Brown

Defensive tackle

Derrick Brown Career

  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2020)
  • Lott Trophy (2019)
  • SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2019)
  • First-team All–SEC (2019)
  • Second-team All-SEC (2018)

Derrick Brown was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the 2020 NFL Draft. Brown played college football at Auburn and was a part of their 2016-2019 seasons.

He had an impressive rookie season where he earned All-Rookie Team honors from PFWA. In 2019, Brown appeared in all 16 games for the Panthers and recorded 43 tackles, two sacks, and one interception on defense.

With his play over the last couple of years, Derrick Brown has shown that he is a talented player with the potential to be successful in the NFL for many years to come Brown was a dominant defensive player in college and is expected to be an impact player at the next level.

He has the ability to disrupt offenses with his athleticism and size, making him a valuable asset on any team. Brown will need to improve his ball skills if he wants to make it in the NFL, but he has all the talent necessary to be successful. 

With continued development, Brown could become one of the best defenders in the league within several years.

11. Jordan Gross

Tackle

Jordan Gross Career

  • First-team All-Pro (2008)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (2008, 2010, 2013)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2003)
  • Carolina Panthers Hall of Honor
  • Consensus All-American (2002)
  • First-team All-Mountain West (2002)

Jordan Gross was a standout offensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers from 2003 to 2013. He was a first-team All-Pro in 2008 and led the Panthers in receiving yards three times during his career.

Gross was born on July 20, 1980, in Nampa, Idaho. After playing football at Fruitland High School, he attended Utah where he played college ball for the Utah Utes. 

The 6'4" (1.93 m) and 305 lb (138 kg) Gross entered the NFL Draft as a first-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2003 and spent thirteen seasons with them before retiring after the 2013 season.

Jordan Gross was a consensus All-American at the University of Colorado and played in three Pro Bowls during his eight years in the NFL. In 2003, he led all rookies with seven fumble recoveries and also finished second on the team with 47 tackles. 

He signed with Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2002 and quickly became a starting linebacker, recording 145 combined tackles over four seasons before retiring after the 2007 season.

12. Sam Mills

Career

  • First-team All-Pro (1996)
  • 2× second-team All-Pro (1991, 1992)
  • 5× Pro Bowl (1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1996)
  • George Halas Award (2004)
  • 3× All-USFL (1983–1985)
  • 2× USFL champion (1984, 1985)
  • USFL All-Time Team
  • Carolina Panthers Hall of Honor
  • Carolina Panthers No. 51 retired
  • New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame
  • New Orleans Saints Ring of Honor

Mills was a linebacker who played in the NFL for over 20 years. He started his career with the Cleveland Browns and later spent time with the Toronto Argonauts, Philadelphia/Baltimore Stars, and New Orleans Saints.

Mills was named to first-team All-Pro status twice during his playing days, and he also helped lead Carolina Panthers teams to Super Bowl appearances in 1995 and 1997. After hanging up his cleats, Mills became an assistant coach for the Carolina Panthers from 1998 until 2004.

Sam Mills was a dominant defensive lineman in the NFL for nearly 20 years. He won three Super Bowls with the Carolina Panthers and is one of only two players to win both an NFL championship and a USFL title. Mills also holds several other records, including being second all-time in sacks (20.5) and interceptions.

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004 and has been named to multiple All-Pro teams throughout his career. Finally, Mills retired from playing football following the 2003 season after suffering a knee injury that ended his career prematurely.

13. Greg Olsen

Tight end

Greg Olsen Career

  • Chicago Bears (2007–2010)
  • Carolina Panthers (2011–2019)
  • Seattle Seahawks (2020)

Greg Olsen is a tight end for the Carolina Panthers. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2007 and played there for four seasons before being traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2011.

Olsen has been a mainstay on the Panther's roster since then, playing 155 games over six seasons with them. In 2019, he led all NFL tight ends with 1,405 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 98 receptions.

Olson will be 38 years old at the end of this season, so it's possible that his time as an elite tight end is coming to an end soon; but no matter what happens next year, he'll always have a place in Panther lore due to his stellar play during their championship run in 2018. 

Olsen was a standout receiver at UCLA and was drafted in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers.

Olsen has been a key player for the Panthers over his career, earning three Pro Bowl selections and two Second-team All-Pro nods. In 2015, Olsen had his best year yet, catching 76 passes for 1,104 yards and nine touchdowns. 

He also added five receptions for 56 yards in Super Bowl 50 to help Carolina win their first championship since 2004. Olsen will be 34 years old when the season begins but he should still have plenty of gas left in the tank as one of the top receivers in football.

14. John Kasay

John Kasay Career

  • Second-team All-Pro (1996)
  • Pro Bowl (1996)
  • NFL scoring leader (1996)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (1991)

Kasay is a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history. Kasay was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 1991 but never played for them due to injuries.

He spent time with the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints before retiring after the 2010 season. Kasay holds numerous individual kicking records, including having made more field goals than any other player in NFL history (525).

John Kasay is also known for his charities work; he has raised money for several different causes over the years, including Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and cancer research initiatives. Kasay was a versatile and successful kicker in the NFL, playing both as a starter and backup.

He made several big kicks during his career, including two field goals that helped lead the Carolina Panthers to victory in Super Bowl 50. 

Kasay retired after nine seasons with the San Diego Chargers, where he won three consecutive AFC West titles. In 2018, Kasay became an analyst for ESPN's "Monday Night Football."

15. Brian Burns

Defensive end

Brian Burns Career

  • 2× Pro Bowl (2021, 2022)
  • First team All-ACC (2018)

Burns attended American Heritage high school in Plantation, Florida. He was a four-star recruit and played college football at Florida State from 2016 to 2018.

Burns was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 2019 NFL Draft with the 16th overall pick. Burns has made one appearance for the Panthers so far during his rookie year, appearing on special teams against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6 of the 2019 season.

Burns is a versatile linebacker who can play in any defense. He has been very productive during his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording 193 tackles, 38 sacks, and 11 interceptions. 

Burns was named to the First Team All-ACC in 2018 and will look to take his game to another level this season with the Philadelphia Eagles.

16. Muhsin Muhammad

Wide receiver

Muhsin Muhammad Career

  • First-team All-Pro (2004)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (1999, 2004)
  • NFL receiving yards leader (2004)
  • NFL receiving touchdowns leader (2004)
  • NFL receptions co-leader (2000)

Muhammad was a wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers from 1996 to 2004. He played for the Chicago Bears from 2005 to 2007 and then again from 2008-2009.

Muhammad is considered one of the best receivers in NFL history, and he holds many records including most receptions in a career (1,549), most receiving yards (22,935), and most touchdowns (135).

Muhammad is one of the most decorated receivers in NFL history. He was a three-time first-team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler. Muhammad led the league in receiving yards in 2004 and was also named the NFL's Receiving touchdowns leader that same year.

After retiring from football, Muhammad embarked on a successful career as an analyst for ESPN television broadcasts.

17. Jaycee Horn

Cornerback

Jaycee Horn Career

  • Carolina Panthers (2021–present)

Jaycee Horn was born in Alpharetta, Georgia on November 26th, 1999. He attended Alpharetta High School where he starred as a cornerback for the football team.

After graduating from high school, Jaycee enrolled at South Carolina to play for the Gamecocks in 2018-2020. In his two seasons with the Gamecocks, Horn has shown immense skill and promise on defense both from cornerback and safety positions.

The Panthers selected him with their first-round pick (8th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft and he is looking forward to joining an already talented secondary full of young stars including Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Christian McCaffrey.

Jaycee Horn started his career with the Oakland Raiders in 2018. The linebacker recorded 58 tackles, 8 passes deflections, and 4 interceptions while playing for the Raiders in 2018. Jaycee Horn is currently a free agent and has not been signed by any other team as of yet.

The linebacker will likely be looking to sign with an NFL franchise during the upcoming off-season period. Jaycee Horn has the potential to become a top-tier linebacker in the NFL and could develop into one of the best players at his position over time.

18. Taylor Moton

Tackle

Taylor Moton Career

  • Carolina Panthers (2017–present)

Taylor Moton was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 2017 NFL Draft. Moton started all 16 games for the Panthers in his rookie season and helped lead Carolina to a 10-6 record.

In 2018, he played in all 16 games for the Panthers and once again led them to a 10-6 record. He is currently with the team through 2020 and has yet to miss a game due to injury during his career thus far.

At 6' 5" tall and 325 pounds, Moton is an imposing offensive tackle who can be relied upon both on offense and defense." 

Taylor Moton played for the Detroit Lions from 2018-2021. In 2019, he started all 16 games and recorded 76 tackles, two sacks, and one interception.

He also had six touchdowns on defense including a 69-yard fumble returns against the Cardinals in Week Six of that season. Moton was drafted by the Jaguars in the third round of the 2017 draft but did not play in any games with them before being traded to Detroit prior to the start of the 2018 season.

With Detroit, Moton appeared in 79 games over three seasons recording 554 total yards (282 rushing/278 receiving) and four touchdowns while starting 63 times. The 26-year-old is currently an active player with NFL statistics as of Week 16, 2021.

19. Ryan Kalil

Center

Ryan Kalil Career

  • 2× First-team All-Pro (2013, 2015)
  • Second-team All-Pro (2011)
  • 5× Pro Bowl (2009–2011, 2013, 2015)
  • First-team All-American (2006)
  • Morris Trophy (2006)

Ryan Kalil played football at Servite High School in Anaheim, California. He was a two-time All-American and won the 2006 Lombardi Trophy as college player of the year.

He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft and spent seven seasons with them before moving to New York Jets in 2019. 

In addition to his career as a footballer, Ryan is also a business producer and writer who has appeared on shows like Shark Tank and The Profit.

Ryan married Natalie Nelson in 2008 and they have four children together. Kalil is a Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle who has been one of the most consistent players in his position over the past few seasons. 

He was drafted by Carolina in 2006 and has spent his entire career with the Panthers, making him one of only two North Carolina natives to play in the NFL (the other being defensive end Greg Hardy).

Kalil started all 155 games he played for Carolina and was an All-Pro twice (2013, 2015) before joining forces with Cam Newton as part of what turned out to be one of the best offensive lines in league history during their time together in Charlotte. 

In March 2016, Kalil signed a five-year contract extension worth $43 million with Carolina that will keep him with the team through 2021. Ryan Kalil is married to singer Meagan Trainor and they welcomed their first child together earlier this year; daughter Haven Rose Kalil on May 10th.

20. Shaq Thompson

Linebacker

Shaq Thompson Career

  • Paul Hornung Award (2014)
  • First-team All-American (2014)
  • First-team All-Pac-12 (2014)

Shaq Thompson is a linebacker for the Carolina Panthers. He was drafted by the team in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft and has since appeared in 102 games, recording 431 tackles, nine sacks, and two interceptions.

Thompson attended Grant Union High School in Sacramento, California before attending Washington University where he played football from 2012 to 2014.

In his four years at Washington, Thompson totaled 191 tackles (64 for loss), 16 sacks, and three interceptions while being named Second-Team All-American as a senior in 2014.

Thompson made his professional debut with Carolina against the New Orleans Saints on September 10th, 2015, and had 14 total tackles (10 solo) during that game including an interception returned for a touchdown which helped propel Carolina to victory 38–35. 

Shaq Thompson is a linebacker for the Washington Redskins. In college, Thompson played at Oregon and was a first-team All-American in his sophomore season.

He won the Paul Hornung Award as the best player in FCS football in 2014 and was drafted by the Redskins with their third overall pick that year. 

Thompson has made an immediate impact on defense for Washington, recording 651 tackles, 11 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 26 pass deflections over his 5 seasons so far in the NFL.

21. Jeremy Chinn

Safety

Jeremy Chinn Career

  • Carolina Panthers (2020–present)

Jeremy Chinn is a safety for the Carolina Panthers in 2020. He was born on February 26, 1998, and attended Fishers High School in Fishers, Indiana. Jeremy played college football at Southern Illinois from 2016 to 2019.

In his rookie season with the Panthers, he had two interceptions and three sacks in 16 games played. Jeremy is considered one of the top young safeties in the NFL and has continued to develop over his first two seasons with Carolina Jeremy Chinn was drafted in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks.

Jeremy is a defensive end and was ranked as the No. 76 player overall in his draft class by ESPN. Jeremy has played for the Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, and Arizona Cardinals in his career to date. In 2019, Jeremy had 63 tackles, 9 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1 defensive touchdown during 16 games played (15 starts).

Jeremy is excited to be playing with such an experienced team this season with Seattle and looks forward to helping them win some championships.

22. DeAngelo Williams

Running back

DeAngelo Williams Career

  • Second-team All-Pro (2008)
  • Pro Bowl (2009)
  • 2× NFL rushing touchdowns leader (2008, 2015)
  • 3× C-USA Offensive Player of the Year (2003–2005)
  • First-team All-American (2005)
  • Motor City Bowl MVP (2005)
  • Memphis Tigers Jersey No. 20 retired

DeAngelo Williams is a former running back for the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted by the Panthers in 2006 and played with them until 2014 when he joined the Steelers.

DeAngelo has won two Super Bowls as a member of the Steelers (2016, 2009). He also holds several other accolades, including Second-team All-Pro in 2008 and three Pro Bowl selections (2008–2010). DeAngelo Williams is a former NFL running back who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2004.

He played for the Carolina Panthers from 2006 to 2014 and then signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2015. In 2009, he was selected to play in the Pro Bowl, and also won 2 rushing touchdown titles during his career. 

Williams has retired from professional football but continues to be involved with various charities and causes around the country.

23. Donte Jackson

Cornerback

Donte Jackson Career

  • Second-team All-American (2017)
  • Second-team All-SEC (2017)

Donte Jackson was a standout cornerback for LSU in college and was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2018. He has appeared in 17 games over two seasons with the Panthers, recording 25 tackles, one interception, and three pass defenses.

Jackson is currently injured reserve with an ankle injury but is expected to be ready for training camp next year. Jackson was a versatile player for the Tigers, playing both offense and defense. He was an All-SEC selection in 2017 and second-team All-American in 2017.

Jackson is projected to be a mid-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

24. Jonathan Stewart

Running back

Jonathan Stewart Career

  • Pro Bowl (2015)
  • 2× First-team All-American (2006, 2007)
  • First-Team All-Pac-10 (2007)
  • Second-Team All-Pac-10 (2006)
  • 2007 Sun Bowl MVP

Jonathan Stewart was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2008 and has been with the team ever since. He has had a few good seasons, but his best work came during the 2015-2016 season when he led the NFL with 1,236 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.

Stewart is known for his speed, power, and agility as a runner. His ability to get outside of defenders makes him very dangerous on offense. Injuries have plagued Stewart over the years, limiting him to 63 games played in eight seasons with Carolina (plus one game played in 2016).

The New York Giants signed Stewart as a free agent this past offseason after they lost running back Saquon Barkley to the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2018 NFL Draft. 

With Orleans Darkwa already entrenched as their No.1 back, it remains to be seen how much playing time Stewart will see this season Jonathan Stewart is a professional football player who has played for the Carolina Panthers since he was drafted in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Stewart earned First-Team All-American honors from both CBS Sports and The Sporting News in 2007, becoming just the third running back ever to be given that distinction.

He also received Second-Team All-Pac 10 accolades from his conference's coaches at Arizona State University where he starred as a dual-threat quarterback and running back before converting to full-time RB following his junior season. 

In 2007, Jonathan Stewart led all rushers with 1,295 yards on 162 receptions for 7 touchdowns - earning him MVP honors of the Sun Bowl against Texas Tech University which resulted in an 11th championship for coach Ron Rivera and company (Carolina had already won Super Bowl XXXVIII).

Following two fairly successful seasons with over 1000 rushing yards each year but no playoff appearances (despite winning 13 games), Jonathan Stewart signed a five year/$36 million contract extension with Carolina Panthers in March of 2015 - securing his place amongst Panther legends such as Steve Smith Sr., Julius Peppers, and Greg Hardy. 

Standing 6'1" tall and weighing 215 lbs, Jonathan Stewart possesses excellent speed, power, and agility statistics making him one of toughest players to bring down on Sundays throughout league history.

25. Jon Beason

Linebacker

Career

  • First-team All-Pro (2008)
  • Second-team All-Pro (2009)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (2008–2010)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2007)

Jon Beason was a middle linebacker for the Carolina Panthers from 2007-2013. He won two Super Bowls with the team and had an overall successful career in the NFL.

Jon Beason is not only a great player, but he is also well-known for his charity work both on and off the field. In 2012, he became an ambassador for Project Sunshine, which helps children with HIV/AIDs receive medication and treatment.

After leaving Carolina, Beason signed with the New York Giants where he played until 2015 before retiring due to injury. He now works as an analyst on Fox Sports 1's "NFL PrimeTime". Beason is a three-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro in 2008.

He had his best season as a pro in 2009, when he totaled 106 tackles and 4 sacks. Beason has also been one of the NFL's most reliable defenders against the run, recording more than 100 tackles each year since 2007.

Injuries have limited him to just 10 games over the last two seasons, but if healthy he will continue to be an impact player for the Giant's defense.

26. Terrace Marshall Jr.

Wide receiver

Terrace Marshall Jr. Career

  • Carolina Panthers (2021–present)

Terrace Marshall Jr. is a wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers in the NFL. He was drafted by them in 2021 and has spent two seasons with them. Marshall had an impressive career at LSU, where he caught 201 passes for 2,097 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2018–2020.

His standout season came in 2020 when he caught 78 passes for 1,405 yards and 10 touchdowns. Terrace Marshall Jr. was the CFP national champion in 2019 as a receiver for the Clemson Tigers. 

He finished his collegiate career with 41 receptions for 590 yards and one touchdown, which earned him NFL Draft consideration. Marshall has started nine games in four seasons with the Detroit Lions, totaling 43 catches for 611 yards and two touchdowns in that time frame.

27. Kris Jenkins

Nose tackle

Kris Jenkins Career

  • 2× First-team All-Pro (2002, 2003)
  • Second-team All-Pro (2008)
  • 4× Pro Bowl (2002, 2003, 2006, 2008)

Jenkins was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2001 but only played with them for two seasons before being traded to the New York Jets.

He made a name for himself as a consistent defensive tackle during his time with the Jets and helped lead them to their first playoff appearance in nine years in 2008.

Jenkins signed with the San Francisco 49ers on March 10th, 2011, and spent three seasons there before retiring at the end of 2015. 

Kris Jenkins was a key player on the Philadelphia Eagles defense during their run to three consecutive NFC Championship games. He was a First-team All-Pro in 2002 and 2003, and Second-team All-Pro in 2008.

In 2006, he made his third straight Pro Bowl appearance, and in 2008 he helped lead the Eagles to their first Super Bowl victory since 1980. Jenkins finished his career with 279 tackles, 24 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries.

28. Brady Christensen

Brady Christensen Career

  • Carolina Panthers (2021–present)

Brady Christensen was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2021. He played college football at Brigham Young University where he started all four years of his career.

Christensen has appeared in 38 games for the Panthers, starting 26 of them, and has recorded 214 tackles, two sacks, and one interception. 

Brady Christensen was one of the top recruits in the country and a consensus all-American as a 2020 high school senior.

He played college football at Stanford where he won three Pac-12 championships and two national titles. After his career at Stanford, Christensen was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft. 

In his rookie season, Brady Christensen started 15 games for New England and led their defense with seven sacks and an interception return for a touchdown.

Since then, Brady Christensen has continued to be one of the most productive players on offense for New England, appearing in 42 games over four seasons since being drafted and recording 142 tackles, 25 sacks, five passes defended, four interceptions returned for touchdowns, and two forced fumbles.

29. Josh Norman

Cornerback

Josh Norman Career

  • Carolina Panthers (2012–2015)
  • Washington Redskins (2016–2019)
  • Buffalo Bills (2020)
  • San Francisco 49ers (2021)
  • Carolina Panthers (2022–present)

Josh Norman was born on December 15, 1987, in Greenwood, South Carolina. He attended Greenwood High School and played football for the Panthers from 2008-2011 before going to Coastal Carolina University.

After three seasons at Coastal Carolina, Josh Norman was drafted by the Panthers in 2012 and has spent his entire career with them. In 2016 he signed with the Redskins and stayed there until 2019 when he joined the Bills.

In 2020 Josh moved to San Francisco where he remains currently as a starting cornerback for their Super Bowl contenders this season. Josh Norman is a talented and experienced cornerback who has played in the NFL for six seasons.

He was First-team All-Pro in 2015 and a Pro Bowl selection that year. Norman also earned first-team FCS All-American honors in 2011, making him one of the most decorated players in his position to date. Known for his aggressive playstyle, Norman is an asset on both defense and special teams units.

His potential departure from Washington could open up a spot on another team’s roster as he enters the final year of his contract this season.

30. Kevin Greene

Linebacker

Kevin Greene Career

  • NFL Defensive Player of the Year (NEA) (1996)
  • UPI NFC Defensive Player of the Year (1996)
  • 3× First-team All-Pro (1989, 1994, 1996)
  • Second-team All-Pro (1989)
  • 5× Pro Bowl (1989, 1994–1996, 1998)
  • 2× NFL sacks leader (1994, 1996)
  • NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
  • Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor

Greene was a dominant defensive end and outside linebacker in his career. He won three Super Bowl rings as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, including two against the San Francisco 49ers.

In 2009, Greene became head coach of the Packers' defense but was fired after one season. He then served as an assistant coach with the Jets before being hired by Carolina Panthers in 2018 to be their linebackers coach and defensive coordinator.

Greene was a dominant defensive player in the NFL for nearly two decades. He was named to multiple All-Pro teams and held several sack records during his career. 

Greene also coached successfully after retiring from playing, winning a Super Bowl championship as an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2006.

31. Yetur Gross-Matos

Defensive end

Yetur Gross-Matos Career

  • Carolina Panthers (2020–present)

Yetur Gross-Matos was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2020. He has played for Penn State and is currently with the team as a defensive end. 

Gross-Matos has won awards such as Second Team All-Big Ten (2017), Third Team All-American (2018), and Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2019).

Yetur Gross-Matos is 24 years old and stands at 6 ft 5 inches tall. Yetur Gross-Matos is a talented defensive lineman for the Indianapolis Colts. 

He was named first-team All-Big Ten in both 2018 and 2019. In 2022, he has already racked up 100 tackles and 7 sacks on the season. Additionally, he has 1 forced fumble and 4 fumble recoveries this year alone.

With continued success in the NFL, Yetur Gross-Matos could be one of the best defenders in league history by the end of his career.

32. Trai Turner

Guard

Trai Turner Career

  • Carolina Panthers (2014–2019)
  • Los Angeles Chargers (2020)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (2021)
  • Washington Commanders (2022–present)

Trai Turner is a talented guard who has played in the NFL for four seasons. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2014 and spent three seasons with them before moving to the Chargers in 2020.

Trai currently plays for the Washington Commanders, where he has been an important part of their team since joining midway through the 2018 season. Trai Turner has been a standout player in the NFL for over a decade and is considered one of the best guards in the league.

Trai Turner was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the 2009 draft and has continued to be an excellent player for them throughout his career. 

He has made five consecutive Pro Bowls, along with being named to two All-SEC squads, proving that he is one of the elite players in his position.

Trai Turner will likely retire after this season as he looks to cap off an impressive career with another championship ring.

33. Frankie Luvu

Linebacker

Frankie Luvu Career

  • New York Jets (2018–2020)
  • Carolina Panthers (2021–present)

Frankie Luvu was born on September 19th, 1996 in Tafuna, American Samoa. He attended Washington State where he played linebacker for the Cougars from 2014-2017.

Frankie was undrafted by the New York Jets in 2018 but signed with them as a free agent later that year and made his NFL debut against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2 of the 2018 season.

Frankie started 12 games for the Jets during his rookie season before being injured and missing time late in the year. In 2019, Frankie returned to action for the Jets and recorded 44 tackles (32 solo) including one interception and six sacks over 13 games played.

which placed him 5th on the team in terms of total tackles despite not starting any games from Weeks 10-13 due to an ankle injury sustained earlier in the season against Miami Dolphins.

As of midseason 2020, Frankie is again nursing an ankle injury but has stated that he hopes to return sometime near or at playoff time so he can help contribute to a possible championship run for New York. 

Frankie Luvu is a linebacker for the Carolina Panthers. He was drafted by the Panthers in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he recorded 102 tackles and three sacks. In 2022, he played in all 16 games and led the team with 188 tackles, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception.

At 24 years old, Frankie Luvu is considered to be a cornerstone of the Panther defense moving forward.

34. Chris Gamble

Cornerback

Chris Gamble Career

  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2004)
  • BCS national champion (2002)
  • All-Big Ten (2002)

Gamble played for the Carolina Panthers from 2004-2012. He was a starter in his rookie season and had some good seasons, but he also had some bad ones. 

Gamble is best known for scoring on an 88-yard interception return against the Atlanta Falcons in 2006 that helped lead to a tough victory over their division rivals.

Gamble signed with the San Diego Chargers as a free agent in 2013 but did not play much due to injury and was released at the end of the year. 

Gamble has continued to work out and try out for NFL teams since retiring from football, most recently playing for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2016 preseason games before being cut during final cuts.

Chris Gamble was a two-time BCS national champion and 2002 All-Big Ten defensive back. He played in the NFL for six seasons, including four with the Seattle Seahawks and one with the San Francisco 49ers. 

In total, he recorded 508 tackles, 27 interceptions, 96 pass deflections, and 4 fumble recoveries. Gamble is also known for his forced fumbles (4) and fumble recoveries (4).

35. Wesley Walls

Career

  • San Francisco 49ers (1989–1993)
  • New Orleans Saints (1994–1995)
  • Carolina Panthers (1996–2002)
  • Green Bay Packers (2003)

Wesley Walls played tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers during his 13-year NFL career. Walls was a two-time Pro Bowler with the 49ers (1989–1990) and Saints (1994–1995).

He also received All-Pro honors from both teams in 1995. After playing four seasons with the Packers, Wesley Walls retired in 2002. In addition to his football accomplishments, Wesley Walls is also a graduate of Ole Miss where he played college ball as an offensive lineman from 1985 to 1988.

Nowadays, Wesley Walls serves as an assistant coach at Pontotoc High School in Mississippi where he helped lead them to back-to-back state championships in 2015 and 2016 Wesley Walls was a standout at the University of Miami and became one of the best wide receivers in NFL history. 

He played with several teams over his career, but is most well-known for being a part of the Carolina Panthers' Super Bowl victory in 1996.

Walls retired after the 2003 season and has been inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.

36. Haason Reddick

Linebacker

Haason Reddick Career

  • Arizona Cardinals (2017–2020)
  • Carolina Panthers (2021)
  • Philadelphia Eagles (2022–present)

Haason Reddick was drafted 13th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2017 NFL Draft. He started all 16 games for Arizona Cardinals in 2017, recording 54 tackles, 3 sacks and 2 interceptions.

In his rookie season with the Panthers, he recorded 41 tackles and 1 sack before being traded to Philadelphia during the offseason. Haason has been a consistent starter for the Eagles since joining them in 2018 and is currently their leading tackler with 127 total tackles (77 solo).

He attended Temple University where he played defensive end for four seasons from 2012-2016 under coach Geoff Collins before switching positions to outside linebacker as a senior due to team need at that position. 

Haason is married and has one child; he enjoys playing basketball and soccer as well as spending time with family and friends Haason Reddick is an edge rusher who was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.

Reddick won a Pro Bowl in 2022 and had 367 tackles, 45 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries during his career with the Cardinals. He signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent in December of 2020 and played in all 16 games for them that season before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles at the end of January 2021.

In nine seasons with both teams, he has totaled 366 tackles (including playoffs), 45 sacks, 18 pass deflections, and 5 fumble recoveries.

37. Sam Darnold

Quarterback

Sam Darnold Career

  • Archie Griffin Award (2016)
  • Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year (2016)
  • First-team All-Pac-12 (2017)

Sam Darnold is a talented quarterback who was drafted by the New York Jets in 2018. He has played for the Jets and Carolina Panthers since then and has had some success, including winning the Super Bowl with the Panthers in February 2019.

Darnold is known for his accuracy, arm strength, and athleticism – all of which he displayed during his time with USC. Sam Darnold was born on March 26th, 1997 in Westchester County, New York. He attended Southern California and played for the Trojans from 2015-2018.

In his three seasons with USC, he compiled a record of 41-13 (93%), 4864 passing yards (29 touchdowns), and 43 interceptions (14 touchdown receptions). Darnold entered the 2018 NFL Draft as one of the top quarterback prospects and was selected by the Jets with the 3rd overall pick in May 2018.

He made his debut against Miami Dolphins on September 9th, 2018, and recorded 231 yards through 2 halves of play to lead his team to a 27-10 victory over their opponents.

38. Kerry Collins

Quarterback

Kerry Collins Career

  • High school: Wilson, (West Lawn, Pennsylvania)
  • College: Penn State (1991–1994)
  • NFL Draft: 1995 / Round
  • Carolina Panthers (1995–1998), New Orleans Saints (1998), New York Giants (1999–2003), Oakland Raiders (2004–2005), Tennessee Titans (2006–2010), Indianapolis Colts (2011)
  • 2× Pro Bowl (1996, 2008), PFWA All-Rookie Team (1995), George Halas Award (2001), Maxwell Award (1994), Davey O'Brien Award (1994), Sammy Baugh Trophy (1994), Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year (1994), Consensus All-American (1994)
  • TD–INT: 208–196, Passing yards
  • TD–INT: 208–196
  • Passing yards: 40,922
  • Completion percentage: 55.7%
  • Passer rating: 73.8
  • College Football Hall of Fame

Kerry Collins was a quarterback for the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints from 1995 to 2003. He started 93 games in the NFL, throwing for 29,964 yards with 201 touchdowns and 122 interceptions.

Collins is best known for his time with the Giants, where he led them to two Super Bowl victories (2000 and 2002). After leaving the Giants in 2003, Collins spent three seasons playing in Japan before retiring in 2007 at age 38.

Collins was drafted in the first round of the 1994 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles and played for them through 1996. He then spent two seasons with the Tennessee Titans before he was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 2001.

Collins had a long and successful career with Indy, helping lead them to four AFC championships (2006-2008) and one Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots in 2007. 

Collins is most well known for his time as quarterback of the Oakland Raiders from 2004-2005 where he led his team to an appearance in Super Bowl XXXVII but lost to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 41-24.

Collins also had three other playoff appearances during his tenure with Oakland including back-to-back divisional rounds (2003, 2004). After retiring as a player, Collins became an analyst on ESPN's Monday Night Football coverage alongside Jon Gruden until 2017.

When he left due to disagreements about broadcast changes made by ESPN’s new president John Skipper. 

In 2018, Collins joined Fox Sports 1 as a color commentator for their college football broadcasts airing weekends throughout September leading up to National Signing Day 5.. Kerry has two daughters named Kaitlyn and Kendall who both play basketball atBYU.

Also Played For: penn state nittany lions football, 2000 nfl season

39. Stephen Davis

Career

  • First-team All-Pro (1999)
  • 3× Pro Bowl (1999, 2000, 2003)
  • NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1999)
  • Washington Commanders 90 Greatest

Davis was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 1996 and played for them until 2002. He then signed with the Carolina Panthers, where he remained for three years before moving on to St.

Louis Rams in 2006. Davis retired from professional football after playing one season with the San Francisco 49ers in 2007. 

In total, Davis played in 115 games over nine seasons and accumulated 1,309 rushing yards (5th all-time) and 12 touchdowns (tied for 3rd).

Following his retirement, Davis became a color commentator for NFL broadcasts alongside play-by-play man Jim Nantz Davis was an All-Pro running back for the Washington Redskins and led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 1999. 

He also played for three years in the Pro Bowl and is a member of the Washington Commanders 90 Greatest list.

Davis retired after the 2004 season and now works as an analyst on Fox Sports 1's "NFL Live".

40. Ted Ginn Jr.

Wide receiver

Ted Ginn Jr. Career

  • Miami Dolphins (2007–2009)
  • San Francisco 49ers (2010–2012)
  • Carolina Panthers (2013)
  • Arizona Cardinals (2014)
  • Carolina Panthers (2015–2016)
  • New Orleans Saints (2017–2019)
  • Chicago Bears (2020)

Ted Ginn Jr. was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2007 but only played for them for two seasons before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers. He then spent four years with the Carolina Panthers before signing with the Arizona Cardinals in 2014 and playing there until 2016.

In 2017, he signed with the New Orleans Saints and has been their top receiver ever since. Ted Ginn Jr has also had some success on special teams, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2018 after returning two kickoffs for touchdowns that season alone. 

Ted Ginn Jr. was a prolific receiver at the collegiate level and had an impressive NFL career, finishing as one of the most decorated players in league history.

Ginn burst onto the scene as a rookie with 33 receptions for 412 yards and three touchdowns. He continued to be productive over his next few seasons, culminating in being named First-team All-American and First-team All-Big Ten during his final year at Ohio State University. 

After going undrafted in 2007, Ginn signed with the Arizona Cardinals and quickly became one of their top receivers. In 2008 he led the team with 1,137 receiving yards while also scoring 10 rushing touchdowns en route to being named Offensive Player of the Year by The Sporting News.

Following two more successful years in Arizona (2009 & 2010), Ginn joined Miami Dolphins where he spent six seasons before retiring after playing the 2016 season with Carolina Panthers.

 Throughout his professional career, Ted Ginn Jr has racked up numerous awards including 3 straight Pro Bowl appearances (2008 – 2011), 2 AP Comeback player of year awards (2010 & 2011), and the Most Improved Player Award from Sports Illustrated  in 2009.

41. Brad Hoover

Running back

Brad Hoover Career

  • Carolina Panthers (2000–2009)

Hoover was originally signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2000. Hoover went on to play for the team from 2000-2009, amassing 202 catches for 2,711 yards and 13 touchdowns during that time span.

Hoover retired following the 2009 season after a stint with the Cincinnati Bengals. He later reprised his role as fullback coach of Western Carolina University's football team in 2013. Brad Hoover is a linebacker who has played in the NFL for 10 seasons.

He has recorded 442 tackles, 15 sacks, and four interceptions during his career. Brad Hoover was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2003 draft. He spent three seasons with Indianapolis before being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2007.

Hoover signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2009 and played there until he was released after the 2013 season. He then signed with the Denver Broncos and retired at age 36 after playing two seasons with them. Brad Hoover is a ten-time Pro Bowler and two-time First Team All-Pro selection (2009, 2010).

42. Russell Okung

Tackle

Russell Okung Career

  • High school: George Bush, (Richmond, Texas)
  • College: Oklahoma State (2006–2009)
  • NFL Draft: 2010 / Round
  • Seattle Seahawks (2010–2015), Denver Broncos (2016), Los Angeles Chargers (2017–2019), Carolina Panthers (2020)
  • Super Bowl champion (XLVIII), 2× Pro Bowl (2012, 2017), 2× First-team All-American (2008, 2009), Jim Parker Trophy (2009), Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year (2009), 2× First-team All-Big 12 (2008, 2009), Dick Bogert Award (2006)
  • Games played: 131, Games started
  • Games played: 131
  • Games started: 131

Russell Okung was drafted sixth overall by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2010 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons with the team before being traded to Denver in 2016.

In his nine-year career, Russell has played for both the Seahawks and Broncos and has appeared in 118 regular season games (68 starts). Known for his strong offensive line play, Okung has been a two-time Pro Bowler (2010, 2013) and one-time All-Pro selection (2013).

Outside of football, Russell is an avid basketball fan and enjoys playing video games with friends or taking part in impromptu streetball tournaments around town. 

Okung was a two-time first-team All-American and winner of the Jim Parker Trophy as the top offensive lineman in college football.

He entered the NFL as one of the most highly drafted players in league history, being selected with the sixth overall pick by Los Angeles Chargers in 2007. Okung has appeared in 131 games over nine seasons with five different teams, starting 131 out of 132 possible contests. 

His career totals include 1,713 knockdowns (second all time) and 36 quarterback sacks (tied for fourth).

Okung is entering his 10th season with Carolina Panthers after signing there during free agency in 2019.

Also Played For: oklahoma state university

43. Curtis Samuel

Wide receiver

Curtis Samuel Career

  • CFP national champion (2015)
  • All-American (2016)
  • First-team All-Big Ten (2016)

Curtis Samuel was born on August 11, 1996, in Brooklyn, New York. Curtis attended Erasmus Hall High School and played football for the school's team before transferring to Ohio State University to play for the Buckeyes' football team in 2014-2016.

In 2017, he was drafted by the Carolina Panthers but did not sign with them and instead signed a contract with the Washington Football Team/Commanders that same year. 

He has appeared in every game for Washington since joining their roster and has caught 97 passes for 1,519 yards (17 touchdowns) and 8 receptions for 119 yards (1 touchdown) through the 2020 season.

Curtis Samuel is a talented receiver who has had success in the NCAA. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 2017 NFL Draft and has since been making an impact with them. 

Curtis Samuel is known for his speed and elusiveness, which makes him difficult to defend on the field. In 2018 he led all rookie receivers with 1,137 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

Curtis Samuel will continue to make an impact on NFL teams moving forward as he possesses great potential both on and off of the field.

44. Captain Munnerlyn

Cornerback

Captain Munnerlyn Career

  • High school: Murphy (Mobile, Alabama)
  • College: South Carolina
  • NFL Draft: 2009 / Round: 7 / Pick: 216
  • Carolina Panthers (2009–2013), Minnesota Vikings (2014–2016), Carolina Panthers (2017–2018), Buffalo Bills (2019)*
  •  * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
  • First-team All-SEC (2007)
  • Total tackles: 529, Sacks: 10.5, Forced fumbles: 5, Pass deflections: 64, Interceptions: 12, Defensive touchdowns: 6
  • Total tackles: 529
  • Sacks: 10.5
  • Forced fumbles: 5
  • Pass deflections: 64
  • Interceptions: 12
  • Defensive touchdowns: 6

Munnerlyn started his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers in 2009. He played for the Minnesota Vikings from 2014 to 2016 before being released in December of that year.

Munnerlyn has appeared in 91 games over four seasons, recording 413 tackles and two interceptions. In 2013, he was named a Pro Bowler after helping the Panthers win their first division title since 2004.

Munnerlyn is married with one child and currently resides in Mobile, Alabama He is a ten-year veteran of the NFL who has played for Carolina Panthers (2017–2018) and Buffalo Bills (2019).

Captain Munnerlyn was drafted in the fourth round by Carolina in 2007 and has spent his entire career with the team He had an impressive season with Carolina in 2018.

Making it to the Super Bowl where they lost to New England Patriots Captain Munnerlyn is known for his strong play against the pass and can be counted on to make big plays when needed He will be an important part of Buffalo's defense this upcoming season.

45. Reggie White

Defensive end

Reggie White Career

  • Super Bowl champion (XXXI)
  • 2× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1987, 1998)
  • 3× UPI NFC Defensive Player of the Year (1987, 1991, 1995)
  • 8× First-team All-Pro (1986–1991, 1995, 1998)
  • 5× Second-team All-Pro (1992–1994, 1996, 1997)
  • 13× Pro Bowl (1986–1998)
  • 2× NFL sacks leader (1987, 1988)
  • NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
  • NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
  • Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame
  • Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team
  • Philadelphia Eagles No. 92 retired
  • Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
  • Green Bay Packers No. 92 retired
  • Bart Starr Award (1992)
  • First-team All-USFL (1985)
  • Unanimous All-American (1983)
  • SEC Player of the Year (1983)
  • First-team All-SEC (1983)
  • Tennessee Volunteers No. 92 retired

Reggie White was an American football defensive end who played 16 seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He was named to 13 Pro Bowls and won two NFL MVP Awards.

Reggie White's nickname of "The Beast" stemmed from his incredible strength and power on the field. In 1994, White suffered a neck injury that ended his career prematurely.

He later died from complications related to the injury in 2004 at 43 years old. Reggie White is considered one of the greatest pass rushers in NFL history and is also remembered for his role as a mentor to younger players during his time with the Packers organization Reggie White was a dominant defensive player in the NFL for many years.

He was a three-time UPI NFC Defensive Player of the Year and a two-time Pro Bowl selection. White is also remembered for his Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles in XXXI. 

After playing for the Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, and Atlanta Falcons, White retired from football in 2001 at the age of 38.

46. Steve Beuerlein

Steve Beuerlein Career

  • High school: Servite (Anaheim, California)
  • College: Notre Dame
  • NFL Draft: 1987 / Round
  • Expansion draft: 1995 / Round
  • Los Angeles Raiders (1987–1990), Dallas Cowboys (1991–1992), Phoenix / Arizona Cardinals (1993–1994), Jacksonville Jaguars (1995), Carolina Panthers (1996–2000), Denver Broncos (2001–2003)
  • Super Bowl champion (XXVII), Pro Bowl (1999), NFL passing yards leader (1999), NFL completion percentage leader (1998)
  • TD–INT: 147–112, Passing yards
  • TD–INT: 147–112
  • Passing yards: 24,046
  • Passer rating: 80.3

Beuerlein was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1991, but never played a down for them. He was traded to the Los Angeles Raiders two years later and spent three seasons with them before being released.

Beuerlein then signed with the San Francisco 49ers, where he spent six seasons as their starter before retiring in 2002. In 2006, Beuerlein came out of retirement to play one season for the Denver Broncos before retiring again.

Currently, he is an analyst for Fox Sports 1 and also coaches quarterback at Servite High School in Anaheim Hills, California. Beuerlein was one of the most decorated quarterbacks in NFL history. He won a Super Bowl and was two-time league passing yards leader.

Beuerlein battled injuries throughout his career, but still managed to put up impressive numbers. His retirement came as a surprise after he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2003.

47. Kelvin Benjamin

Wide receiver

Kelvin Benjamin Career

  • High school: Glades Central, (Belle Glade, Florida)
  • College: Florida State (2011–2013)
  • Position: Wide receiver
  • NFL Draft: 2014 / Round: 1 / Pick: 28
  • Carolina Panthers (2014–2017), Buffalo Bills (2017–2018), Kansas City Chiefs (2018), New York Giants (2021)*
  •  * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
  • BCS national champion (2013), First-team All-American (2013), Second-team All-ACC (2013)
  • Receptions: 209, Receiving yards: 3,021, Receiving touchdowns: 20
  • Receptions: 209
  • Receiving yards: 3,021
  • Receiving touchdowns: 20

Kelvin Benjamin is a wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers. He was drafted in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers and spent four seasons with them before being traded to Buffalo Bills in 2018.

Benjamin has recorded over 1,000 receiving yards three times in his career and has been named to two Pro Bowls (2015, 2017). In 2018 he signed with the New England Patriots but was released after one season. At 6'5", Kelvin Benjamin is a tall and imposing receiver that can stretch the field.

He was one of the most productive players in college football, hauling in over 100 receptions for 1,512 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior at Florida State. 

Benjamin entered the NFL draft expecting to be drafted by a team with an established quarterback situation, but was surprisingly selected by the Carolina Panthers with the first overall pick.

After struggling to make any impact during his rookie season, he bounced back in 2017 despite playing on one of the worst teams in Football League history. The Chiefs signed him this offseason hoping he can help them reach their goals of making it back to Super Bowl LIIIthis year.

48. Chuba Hubbard

Running back

Chuba Hubbard Career

  • Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year (2019)
  • Jon Cornish Trophy (2019)
  • Unanimous All-American (2019)
  • First-team All-Big 12 (2019)
  • Second-team All-Big 12 (2020)

Chuba Hubbard is a running back for the Carolina Panthers. He was drafted in 2021 and has been impressive during his rookie season. Chuba Hubbard attended Oklahoma State University, where he played football for the Cowboys from 2017 to 2020.

During that time, he won Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 and was named First Team All-American by College Football News in 2018. In addition to playing football, Chuba Hubbard also competed in track and field at Oklahoma State before transferring to Calgary Dinos after one year with OSU.

He finished third overall at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Track & Field Championships as a member of the 200m dash relay squad in 2018. 

After spending two years with Calgary Dino's, Hubbard signed with Carolina Panthers on May 3rd, 2021 Chuba Hubbard was an All-American and First-team All-Big 12 player at Kansas State.

He was drafted in the sixth round of the NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. In his rookie season, he rushed for 523 yards on 128 carries and scored three touchdowns. The following year, he played in all 16 games and had 728 rushing yards on 179 carries with four touchdowns. 

In 2020, he missed six games due to a concussion but still managed to have 977 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 214 carries.

This past season, Chuba Hubbard again led the Titans in rushing with 978 yards on 248 carries with eight scores over 15 games played.

49. Charles Johnson

Defensive end

Charles Johnson Career

  • Second-team All-SEC (2006)
  • Pro Football Focus Second-team All-Pro (2010)

Charles Johnson was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 3rd round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Charles Johnson has appeared in 79 games for the Panthers, recording 145 tackles and 10 sacks.

Charles Johnson was named to his first Pro Bowl following the 2013 season after posting 86 tackles and 5 sacks. In 2016, Charles Johnson signed with the San Francisco 49ers on a one-year contract worth $7 million dollars.

On February 7th, 2017, it was announced that Charles Johnson had officially retired from professional football due to injury concerns stemming from an ankle surgery he underwent late in 2016.[1] Charles Johnson is a versatile defensive lineman who has played in all 32 NFL games.

He started his career with the Carolina Panthers before being traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2011. In 2013, he was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and played for them until 2016 when he was released and signed by the Detroit Lions. 

Charles Johnson has been an All-Pro selection twice (2010, 2014) and was also named to the Second Team All-SEC teams in 2006.

50. James Anderson

Linebacker

James Anderson Career

  • High school: Chesapeake (VA) Deep Creek
  • College: Virginia Tech
  • NFL Draft: 2006 / Round: 3 / Pick: 88
  • Carolina Panthers (2006–2012), Chicago Bears (2013), New England Patriots (2014)*, Tennessee Titans (2014), Atlanta Falcons (2014), Dallas Cowboys (2014), New Orleans Saints (2015)
  •  * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
  • Total tackles: 577, Sacks: 12.0, Forced fumbles: 5, Fumble recoveries: 8, Interceptions: 3
  • Total tackles: 577
  • Sacks: 12.0
  • Forced fumbles: 5
  • Fumble recoveries: 8
  • Interceptions: 3

James Anderson was a linebacker for the Carolina Panthers from 2006-2012. He played college football at Virginia Tech and was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers.

In his 7 seasons with the Panthers, he recorded 242 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 interceptions and 1 forced fumble. 

After being released by Carolina in 2012, Anderson signed with Chicago Bears but only lasted one season before retiring after injury concerns arose again Anderson is a very physical player who loves to hit opposing players.

Anderson played college football at Vanderbilt and showed great potential in the NFL Draft process. He was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and has been a mainstay on their defensive line ever since. 

Anderson has started all 64 games he's played for New England, recording 577 tackles, 12 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 3 interceptions and 1 fumble recovery during his career thus far.

Also Played For: nfc south

51. Greg Hardy

Defensive end

Greg Hardy Career

  • High school: Briarcrest (Memphis, TN)
  • College: Ole Miss
  • NFL Draft: 2010 / Round: 6 / Pick: 175
  • Carolina Panthers (2010–2014), Dallas Cowboys (2015), Richmond Roughriders (2018)
  • Second-team All-Pro (2013), Pro Bowl (2013), First-team All-SEC (2007)
  • Games played: 75, Tackles: 238, Quarterback sacks: 40.0, Pass deflections: 16, Interceptions: 1, Forced fumbles: 8
  • Games played: 75
  • Tackles: 238
  • Quarterback sacks: 40.0
  • Pass deflections: 16
  • Interceptions: 1
  • Forced fumbles: 8

Hardy originally attended Briarcrest High School in Memphis, Tennessee before later attending Ole Miss. Hardy was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 2010 NFL Draft but never played for them as he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys a year later.

Hardy became one of the most controversial players in NFL history after being accused of domestic violence and child abuse against his ex-girlfriend Nicole Holder. 

After a lengthy legal battle, Hardy was eventually convicted on all charges and served 10 months in jail before signing with the Carolina Panthers again following his release from prison.

He left Dallas once more after just three seasons, this time joining up with the Washington Redskins, where he spent two years before retiring at age 28 due to injuries sustained during training camp with Carolina last season.

Final Words

. . The Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League (NFL). The Panthers have had some of the best players in NFL history, including quarterbacks Dan Marino and Kurt Warner, running backs DeShaun Foster and Jonathan Stewart, wide receivers Steve Smith Sr.

and Larry Fitzgerald, defensive end Julius Peppers, linebacker Luke Kuechly, and cornerback Charles Tillman.

Photo of author

John Rizzo

I am a professional rugby player in the Washington DC-Baltimore area. I have been playing rugby for over 10 years and have had the opportunity to play in many different countries. I am also a coach for both youth and adult rugby teams. I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Sports Management and Marketing. I am currently working on my MPA from American University and plan to pursue this career path after graduating next year. LinkedIn

Leave a Comment