5 ex-Panthers – living or deceased – we’d love to see play one more time

Carolina Panthers Player No. 4: Mike Minter (S)

To say the Carolina Panthers struck gold with Mike Minter would be something of an understatement. They took the safety with the No. 56 overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft. And he repaid them with a decade of outstanding production.

One would be hard-pressed to find a player who was as consistent as Minter throughout his career. The player was a force to be reckoned with on the back end. But injuries finally took their toll and he was forced into early retirement in 2007.

There was nothing Minter couldn’t do on the field. He was superb in coverage when needed. And he also provided the Panthers will a fierce tackling presence within their secondary and at the second level.

Minter eventually finished his career with 805 combined tackles, 608 solo tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, 69 pass deflections, and 19 interceptions. This did not result in a Pro Bowl or All-Pro selection. But this should not detract from what a significant influence he became in Carolina.

His infectious enthusiasm on the field was something that will live long in the memory for those that saw him play. There is just no telling what sort of impact Minter could make one more time on this Panthers’ defense in his prime. And although it will never happen, it sure is fun to think about.