Carolina Panthers Super Bowl 50 team: Where are they now?
Ben Jacobs – LB
Following the 2018 season, Ron Rivera personally asked Ben Jacobs if he would consider making the transition to coaching for the team; he agreed. The former linebacker is currently the assistant special teams’ coach for Rivera with the Washington Football Team.
Charles Johnson – DE
Charles Johnson was released by the Carolina Panthers in March following the Super Bowl but was re-signed five days later. He spent two more years with the team before being moved on for a second time after the 2017 season.
Johnson announced his retirement from the NFL before the 2018 campaign began.
Colin Jones – S
The Panthers released Colin Jones at his request following the 2019 season as he was seeking an opportunity with a team that was not rebuilding. No team has signed Jones following his release.
Ryan Kalil – C
Ryan Kalil announced his retirement from the NFL in 2018 but returned to spend one year with the New York Jets the following year. He was placed on the reserve/injured list and hasn’t been around since.
Luke Kuechly – LB
Luke Kuechly dropped his retirement bombshell on January 14, 2020, a day Carolina’s fans won’t forget in a hurry. The 2013 Defensive Player of the Year finished his career as a five-time First-Team All-Pro, a two-time Second-Team All-Pro, a seven-time Pro Bowler, and two-time NFL tackles leader.
Kuechly currently serves as a pro scout for the Panthers, who were wise to keep the legendary figure around in some capacity.
Kyle Love – DT
Kyle Love last played for the Panthers during the 2019 season. He signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their 2020 training camp but didn’t make their roster.
Robert McClain – CB
Robert McClain was shipped out by the Panthers in 2016 and was claimed off waivers by the then-San Diego Chargers. He last played in the NFL during the 2017 season with the Buccaneers.
Brad Nortman – P
Brad Nortman signed a four-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars following Super Bowl 50. He was released after the team drafted a punter during the 2018 NFL Draft.
Kevin Norwood – WR
Kevin Norwood was waived in 2016. He last spent time with the New York Giants during the 2017 season and was released with an injury settlement later that year.
Michael Oher – OT
Following Super Bowl 50, Michael Oher signed a three-year contract extension with the Panthers but was moved on in 2017 following a failed physical due to concussion problems.
Chris Scott – OT
Chris Scott was released by the Panthers in 2017. The lineman spent time with the Giants during training camp in 2018 but didn’t do enough to make the team.
Scott Simonson – TE
Scott Simonson was last with the Panthers during the 2017 season. He was not active for a game having being been put on the reserve/injured list prior to the season.
Simonson signed with the Giants in 2018 and wasn’t brought back after for the 2020 campaign.
Jonathan Stewart – RB
Jonathan Stewart’s incredible career with the Panthers came to an end with his release in 2018. After 10 seasons, he left as the franchise leader in rushing yards.
Stewart signed a two-year contract with the Giants, who subsequently declined the option on his deal the following year. The running back signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Carolina Panthers on April 23, 2019.
Mike Tolbert – FB
Mike Tolbert was released by Carolina following the 2016 campaign. The physical full-back signed with the Bills but lasted just one year in Buffalo and has not played in the league since.
Fernando Velasco – OG
Fernando Velasco was not retained by the Panthers following the Super Bowl. He was with the Bills during training camp in 2016 but was unable to secure a place on their active roster.
Brandon Wegher – RB
Brandon Wegher was waived by the Panthers after failing to make the 53-man squad ahead of the 2016 season. He spent that year on the then-St. Louis Rams’ practice squad.
Fozzy Whittaker – RB
Fozzy Whitaker signed a two-year contract extension in 2017. He suffered a season-ending ACL injury in May 2018 that ended his career.
Teddy Williams – CB
Teddy Williams was released by the Panthers in 2018. Like many before and since he signed with the Giants but then requested his release due to personal reasons.
Lou Young – CB
Lou Young last played for the Panthers during the 2016 season. He participated at training camp in 2018 with the Arizona Cardinals, which was the last time we saw him in the league.
Young also failed to make the Atlanta Legends team in the now-defunct Alliance of American Football League.