Panthers WR Brandon Zylstra is the epitome of ‘Keep Pounding’
By Brian Emory
Brandon Zylstra stepping up for the Carolina Panthers
Prior to the Carolina Panthers Week 15 matchup at the Buffalo Bills, disaster struck before the game even started when reliable kicker Zane Gonzalez was hurt during pregame warmups.
The team had no emergency kicker, which created quite the pregame spectacle. According to Brandon Zylstra, special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn had to poll the locker room before the game in an attempt to find a player that had experience in this specialist area.
Zylstra stepped up in response to an incredibly difficult situation.
Despite not having any kicking experience since high school, Zylstra served as Carolina’s kickoff specialist in Buffalo. He also did remarkably well considering the circumstances and the Bills only started north of their own 30-yard line on one occasion.
Brandon Zylstra is one of those dudes, who if guys started going down at almost any position, he could probably fill in.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) December 19, 2021
I would have no problem seeing him at safety, or tight end, or punter. I bet he long snaps in his spare time. https://t.co/fCEnsq52Cp
In what has been a very difficult season for the Panthers, Zylstra has proven that he is the embodiment of a team player who will embrace any role necessary to give his team a chance to win.
Between playing a role as a receiver, making plays on special teams, and serving as the emergency kickoff specialist, Zylstra has become Carolina’s ultimate utility man.
This is a trait that is highly valued by the current coaching staff. Versatility plays a leading role in terms of recruitment, so Zylstra has done his chances of a longer-term stay in Carolina the world of good.