Carolina Panthers: 30 greatest players in franchise history

As you’ve already seen on this list, the Panthers haven’t had too many terrific running backs over the years. That’s because none of them quite match the talent, productivity and impact of DeAngelo Williams, the team’s first-round pick back in 2006.

If it wasn’t for the string of injuries that limited the veteran runner at times, Williams would probably be even higher on this list. Unfortunately, as has come to be the case with most backs, the injury bug was nearly unavoidable for Williams. Still, he powered through and became arguably the best running back Carolina ever had.

Currently second on the team’s all-time rushing list, Williams barely trails Stewart despite playing in 14 fewer games and carrying the ball 267 less times. Not too shabby, especially when you consider Williams managed to average 4.8 yards per carry throughout his career in Carolina — comparing quite favorably to Jonathan Stewart’s 4.3.

Was Williams a superstar? Not really. Maybe he would have been had he not struggled so much with injuries, but he was a do-it-all home run threat who made a lasting impact with the Panthers.