Panthers Pro Bowl representatives on the rise
The Carolina Panthers will have two additional representatives at the Pro Bowl this season…
When the original Pro Bowl members were announced, only Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly heard his name called. The veteran linebacker led the team in tackles, assists and interceptions for the season despite missing one and a half games during the year.
His fifth consecutive nomination, Kuechly was also named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the New York Jets which included a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Kuechly also earned a first team All-Pro recognition for 2017, his fourth in only six seasons with the Panthers.
Panthers guard, Andrew Norwell also earned first team All-Pro honors for the first time in his career but wasn’t granted an invite to the Pro Bowl. Only one other offensive player, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce was left off the Pro Bowl roster after being named a first team All-Pro.
Los Angeles Rams tackle Andrew Whitworth was another All-Pro originally left off the Pro Bowl roster but was recently named to the NFC team by virtue of an injury to another player. Two Panthers also benefited from others not able to participate due to injury and will now represent Carolina in the game.
Guard Trai Turner will be participating in his third consecutive Pro Bowl, replacing Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin. Turner was interim general manager Marty Hurney’s first contract extension, signed on only his second day in the role ensuring Turner would be protecting franchise quarterback Cam Newton for at least four more years.
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Kicker Graham Gano also is joining Kuechly and Turner this year after a solid performance during the regular season. Gano was originally in a position battle with now Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, who was drafted by Carolina to provide camp competition at the position.
Gano responded, winning the job and connecting on all but three of his 37 attempts while missing just one extra point. An improved performance from his previous season but a miss at New Orleans in the wild card playoff game lingers as Gano is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida for a second consecutive year, the game continues the traditional AFC versus NFC alignment which had been previously deviated from for three years from 2013-15.
Next: 2018 Home Opponents Preview
The Pro Bowl kicks off on Sunday, January 28 at 3:00pm.