The Panthers have named their team captains for 2018 – and the list is comprised of Panthers legends that are undoubtedly headed towards the Ring of Honor when they decide to hang up their cleats. There’s Julius Peppers, he of the fourth-most sacks in NFL history and the second overall pick in 2002; there’s franchise quarterback Cam Newton, arguably the most recognizable face and jersey in Panthers history; Ryan Kalil is there, the stalwart in the middle of the offensive line who has gone to five Pro Bowls and announced that 2018 will be his final year. Luke Kuechly, former defensive player of the year and perhaps the best linebacker in the NFL is joined by Greg Olsen, who has been the #1 target in black and blue since he came to the Panthers via trade from the Bears – he’s worn the ‘C’ on his chest five times.
Those seem like the usual suspects – but this year, they’re joined by special teams ace Colin Jones, who has been with the team since 2013 and has been one of the leaders of the third unit for the Panthers since he arrived – but it hasn’t just been special teams where Jones has helped the team. Jones stepped in multiple times last season in a variety of roles across the defensive backfield, including safety, nickel corner and the hybrid “big nickel” in the team’s “Frog” package – a variation of their “Buffalo” package they would use with Shaq Thompson playing in that slot linebacker role.
Jones had the second interception of his career last season when he started in place of Kurt Coleman due to injury – Jones started seven games in 2017 in addition to participating in all 16. This will be his first time as a team captain; the Panthers last had a special teams captain in 2012 when linebacker Jordan Senn received the honor.
The Panthers play the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at 4:25p to kick off their 2018 campaign.
