Jonathan Stewart ends career the right way with Carolina Panthers
A Carolina Panthers legend hangs it up.
It is certainly bittersweet, but I wouldn’t want to have it any other way. Tuesday, it was announced that former Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart would sign a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Panthers.
Stewart had a very successful career in Charlotte. Drafted by Carolina with the 13th overall pick in 2008, Stewart carved out a successful career that saw him achieve tremendous accomplishments, particularly in the early stages. Joining a backfield that included DeAngelo Williams at the time, the two would create a nightmare for defenses known as “Double Trouble.” Injuries would be something that would bog down his career, but he would remain effective, as he was a key reason why the Carolina Panthers would go to the Super Bowl in the 2014 season. It was fun to watch him experience a rebirth of sorts that year.
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The rebirth would continue into the 2015 season as he made his only Pro Bowl that year. Carrying the ball 242 times for 989 yards and six touchdowns, he had the best year of his career. Averaging 76.1 yards per contest, he remained a stabilizing force for the Panthers running game. In hindsight, he was the perfect running back to precede Christian McCaffrey, as the two played similar styles of football. Both were dependable, and both had the ability to rack up a lot of miles.
A two-time recipient of the NFC Offensive Player of the Week in 2009 and 2017, he truly had explosiveness that made him a special running back. Although he was on the smaller side in terms of height, he possessed speed and shiftiness that were unmatched. Making an appearance on the NFL Network’s Top 100 in 2016, expectations were high for him coming into the season. He would deliver, rushing the ball at 218 times for 824 yards and nine touchdowns. He always seemed to be able to show his explosiveness while healthy. Had he not suffered a ton of injuries over the course of his career, one would have to wonder what numbers he could put up.
He was a great running back for the Carolina Panthers, one who logged many miles and a player who was a strong veteran presence from the beginning. Now, he rides off into the sunset after having a very productive career. I remember writing about him going to the New York Giants last off-season, and it just didn’t seem right. He didn’t belong in New York Giants blue, he belonged in Carolina blue. I am thrilled he was able to come back and end his career where it all began. Congratulations J-Stew! You have certainly earned a happy and healthy retirement.