Best starter at every Carolina Panthers position in franchise history
By Jason Huber
Ryan Kalil – Former Carolina Panthers C
When it comes to the GOAT of Carolina Panthers’ offensive linemen, Ryan Kalil should easily take that title.
Drafted in the second round in 2007, Kalil spent 11 years in Carolina and was as reliable of a center that a team can have. A dominant force that communicated exceptionally well at the line of scrimmage and became a strong leadership presence within the locker room for good measure.
During his tenure, Kalil was named first-team All-Pro twice and was a five-time Pro Bowler. Excluding his rookie season, the former USC star started all 142 games he played in Carolina before deciding to call it a day.
In 2011, the Panthers made Kalil the highest-paid center in NFL history. A richly deserving accolade for someone who meant a great deal to the organization and has been extremely hard to replace.
There was something of a surprise to see Kalil step back into the limelight and sign for the New York Jets in 2019. But he managed just seven games due to injury and this was the final sign for the player to end his time on the gridiron.