Carolina Panthers: 30 greatest players in franchise history
Kawann Short. 23. player. 87. . Defensive Tackle. 2013-Present
In general, Kawann Short hasn’t received the love from around the league that his talents deserve. Still, considering he’s only been named to the Pro Bowl once during his five seasons with Carolina, the defensive tackle has been nothing short of sensational.
Regardless of the respect he gets as a disruptive defensive tackle, Panthers fans certainly know what Short brings to the table. A unique talent along the interior, the Purdue product excels at both stopping the run and rushing the passer. Even in today’s NFL, it’s difficult to find that combination of skills from a 315-pound defensive lineman.
And yet, here’s Short, getting after quarterbacks as one of the best interior rushers in the league. While not a sack machine per se, he has taken down opposing passers 31.5 times as of this publishing. That ranks him as the Panthers’ all-time leader in sacks among defensive tackles, and seventh overall.
If I had my say, he’d have a few more Pro Bowl appearances under his belt at this point. Maybe some day he will? Either way, he’s getting paid handsomely and continues to make monstrous plays for the Carolina defense. That works for now.