Best starter at every Carolina Panthers position in franchise history

Mike Minter – Former Carolina Panthers S

One of the best defensive players in team history and the best secondary player in franchise history, Mike Minter was a force to be reckoned with during his 10 seasons with the Carolina Panthers.

Drafted in 1997, Minter became the team’s starting safety in his sixth game as a rookie and would never give the job up until retirement. He hauled in 17 career interceptions and is second in team history with 69 passes defended.

Minter was a pivotal factor in the Panthers’ 2003 Super Bowl run and had a career-high 18 tackles in the game. He was a commanding force on the backend that liked nothing more than coming down to the second level for thumping hits that will live long in the memory.

Overall, Minter holds the record for games started in Carolina history with 141. This is a lofty bar for Jeremy Chinn to aim for if he wants this position in the coming years, but the former second-round selection is off to a fantastic start over the first two seasons of his pro career.

Minter might not be discussed in the same breath as the likes of Cam Newton, Luke Kuechly, and Steve Smith. But his contribution was exemplary, nonetheless.