Matt Paradis is dealing with a lot of change
Adjusting to life after a season-ending injury, taking snaps from a new quarterback, learning a new offense and, perhaps the biggest adjustment – to life in a new time zone.
“I’ve lived pretty much my whole life in the mountain time zone,” Paradis said. “So, it is pretty cool to get over and live in a different part of the country. [I’m] learning how to deal with humidity, but it is going great.”
Spartanburg summers aside, Paradis says the lower leg that he broke midway through the 2018 season is feeling just fine.
“It was a long road to recovery, but [I] did the first two practices, and I felt great,” said Paradis about the injury that cost him seven games after he had started the previous 57. “Obviously, there’s therapy involved, but it feels great. Daryl [Williams] and I were talking about that. I don’t know what exactly his injury date was, but I haven’t touched or snapped a football since November. And it was like you almost forget you can play football.”
“:So it is great to get back out here and get after it.”
Paradis had offseason surgery to repair a fractured fibula he suffered in Week 9 when he was a member of the Denver Broncos – before Thursday night’s practice, Paradis was unable to participate during the team drills of the Panthers offseason program, although he did some installs.
After being drafted out of Boise State in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Paradis spent the previous five seasons with the Broncos—starting in the past four. Then, after his fibula injury, Denver decided to let Paradis test free agency after the 2018 season and Carolina snapped him up early, signing the center to a three-year deal worth $29m in March.
Paradis is getting used to taking snaps from 30-year-old signal-caller Cam Newton. So far, it seems like the two have a great relationship as Paradis learns the Panthers offense – so much so that Newton was giving out hugs to his new center in the huddle during the first few practices of training camp.
“I mean, it hasn’t been too much adjustments,” Paradis said. “We really are just working. I’m new to this offense – so that’s what I’m focused on, just trying to get this offense down pat and getting after it.”
In Denver, Paradis helped anchor a line that finished 12th in the league in rushing as they averaged 119.2 yards per game. Also, rookie Phillip Lindsay rushed for 1,037 yards and nine touchdowns. Carolina finished last year fourth in rushing (133.5) even with injuries along the line, so they don’t need help in that area. But they hope Paradis can help pave the way for Christian McCaffrey, who had his first 1,000-yard season a year ago.
Paradis was a team leader during his time with the Broncos. Prior to signing Paradis in March, head coach Ron Rivera said the team needed a new offensive leader with Kalil retiring. Even though Paradis hasn’t been with the Panthers long, he wants to start by leading by example.
“I think [with] leadership, [the] first thing you’ve got to prove that you are doing the things as it isn’t a ‘Do as I say’ situation,” the 29-year old center said. “All offseason, it was hard because I was rehabbing and wasn’t able to take part. But now that I’m able to play, you get to be more vocal and helping guys, and there’s a vocal aspect absolutely.”
“But to me, the best route to inspire people around you…..that’s your actions.”
