Carolina Panthers All-Time RBs: DeAngelo Williams (No. 3)
Things took a dramatic turn for the better at the running back position when the Carolina Panthers allocated their 2006 first-round pick on DeAngelo Williams. The player became an instant fan favorite with the team’s fanbase thanks to his enthusiastic style of play that was matched by a fierce determination to succeed.
Williams was electrifying in open space. But he could also get hard yards when needed. He always played the game with a smile on his face. And the player had an infectious personality that went down extremely well with his teammates.
This resulted in some standout numbers from Williams’ nine-year stay in Carolina. He amassed 6,846 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns before moving on to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he played two more seasons before eventually calling it a day.
The back formed a sensational tandem with Jonathan Stewart that was among the most prolific in the NFL once upon a time. Perhaps his finest moment came in 2008 with 1,515 yards and a phenomenal 18 touchdowns from just 17.1 touches a game on average.
Williams will always be remembered fondly by those who watched him play. One could argue his numbers would have been even better had it not been for the presence of Stewart. But the player can look back at his time with the organization and his career in general with an enormous sense of pride.